A groundbreaking new initiative is taking shape in the Middle East as several of the world’s leading technology firms—OpenAI, Nvidia, SoftBank, Oracle, Cisco, and UAE-based G42—have unveiled plans to launch Stargate UAE, a massive artificial intelligence infrastructure project based in Abu Dhabi.
The initiative follows the earlier announcement of a similar Stargate project in the United States, where President Donald Trump joined tech leaders to outline a vision for expanding American AI capabilities. The UAE project represents a “sister” development, aiming to replicate that transformative scale and ambition in the Gulf region.
A Bold Vision for Global AI Growth
Stargate UAE will center around a 200-megawatt AI cluster scheduled to go live in 2026, serving as the first phase of what’s expected to become one of the most advanced AI hubs in the world. The data infrastructure will reside within a 5-gigawatt data center complex—equivalent to the power capacity of a large metropolitan area—and will eventually span 10 square miles in the capital city.
According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the project represents more than just a technological leap; it’s a commitment to ensuring that AI-driven breakthroughs in areas like healthcare, education, and energy are accessible from more global locations. “This marks a major step in democratizing access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure,” Altman said.
Global Partnerships Driving the Future of AI
While G42 will lead construction, OpenAI and Oracle will manage operations, and Nvidia will supply the AI hardware, including state-of-the-art chips designed to handle the immense computational needs of large-scale AI systems. Cisco, a new addition to the group, will help ensure networking and security infrastructure is globally competitive and future-ready.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasized the transformative power of this endeavor, noting that Stargate UAE will support the country’s ambitious digital strategy: “This project will enable the UAE to develop a stronger, AI-driven economy and establish itself as a global innovation leader.”
Strategic Location, Global Impact
Thanks to Abu Dhabi’s geographic location, Stargate UAE will provide accessible AI computing capacity to regions within a 2,000-mile radius—reaching nearly half of the global population. From Africa and South Asia to parts of Europe and the Middle East, the infrastructure will serve as a powerful resource for AI development and deployment.
The project also represents a milestone in US-UAE cooperation, following the recent announcement of the binational data center complex by President Trump during his visit to Abu Dhabi. The long-term investment, estimated at up to $500 billion, will position the UAE as a central node in the global AI ecosystem.