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Feature Story
OpenAI's planned data center in Abu Dhabi would be bigger than Monaco | TechCrunch
May 17, 2025 · techcrunch.com
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.