OpenAI teams up with Cisco, Oracle to build UAE data center | TechCrunch
May 22, 2025 - techcrunch.com
OpenAI has announced the expansion of its Stargate data center project to the Middle East with the launch of Stargate UAE in Abu Dhabi. This initiative will establish a 1GW data center cluster, with 200MW expected to be operational by 2026. The project is being developed in partnership with companies such as G42, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, and SoftBank. Stargate UAE aims to provide AI infrastructure and compute capacity within a 2,000-mile radius and marks the first collaboration under OpenAI's new global initiative, OpenAI for Countries, which seeks to help governments build sovereign AI capabilities in coordination with the U.S. government.
As part of this partnership, the UAE will become the first nation to enable nationwide access to ChatGPT, allowing its citizens to utilize OpenAI's technology. This announcement coincides with Elon Musk's statement that his AI company, xAI, plans to construct the world's first "gigawatt" AI training cluster.
Key takeaways:
OpenAI is expanding its Stargate data center project to the Middle East with Stargate UAE in Abu Dhabi.
Stargate UAE will feature a 1GW data center cluster, with 200MW expected to go live in 2026.
The project is part of OpenAI's initiative to help governments build sovereign AI capabilities, starting with the UAE.
The UAE will become the first country to enable nationwide access to ChatGPT, OpenAI's technology.
