OpenAI's planned data center in Abu Dhabi would be bigger than Monaco | TechCrunch
May 17, 2025 - techcrunch.com
OpenAI is set to develop a massive 5-gigawatt data center campus in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi-based tech conglomerate G42. This project, part of OpenAI's Stargate initiative, aims to create one of the world's largest AI infrastructure facilities, spanning 10 square miles and consuming power equivalent to five nuclear reactors. The UAE project would significantly surpass the capacity of OpenAI's first Stargate campus in Texas, which is expected to reach 1.2 gigawatts. This development is part of broader AI collaborations between the U.S. and UAE, though it has raised concerns among U.S. officials regarding G42's past ties with China.
G42, chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has faced scrutiny due to its connections with blacklisted Chinese entities. In response to U.S. pressure, G42's CEO announced a strategic shift, divesting from China-related investments. Following this, Microsoft invested $1.5 billion in G42, with its president, Brad Smith, joining G42's board. These developments highlight the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding AI infrastructure projects and the strategic partnerships between tech companies and nations.
Key takeaways:
OpenAI is developing a 5-gigawatt data center campus in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with G42, as part of its Stargate project.
The Abu Dhabi facility will be one of the largest AI infrastructure projects globally, consuming power equivalent to five nuclear reactors.
Concerns have been raised about G42's ties to China, leading to a shift in strategy and divestment from China-related investments.
Microsoft invested $1.5 billion in G42, and its president, Brad Smith, joined G42's board of directors.
