Is ChatGPT Plus Really Free for UAE Residents?

If you've scrolled through UAE TikTok or X (formerly Twitter) this week, you’ve probably seen the claim: ChatGPT Plus is now free for everyone in the UAE. Sounds exciting, right? But before you cancel your subscription, here’s what’s actually going on.

The rumor stems from media reports following OpenAI’s announcement of Stargate UAE, a groundbreaking AI infrastructure hub in Abu Dhabi. Some headlines jumped to the conclusion that this would include free ChatGPT Plus access for “every resident and citizen” in the country.

But hold up—OpenAI never said that.

In its official release, OpenAI stated:

“Under the partnership, the UAE will become the first country in the world to enable ChatGPT nationwide—giving people across the country the ability to access OpenAI's technology.”

That doesn’t exactly translate to free premium features. There’s no confirmed plan—yet—to make the $20/month ChatGPT Plus subscription (around AED 72) free for everyone in the UAE.

What’s the difference between free ChatGPT and ChatGPT Plus?

ChatGPT is already available in the UAE in both free and paid tiers. The free version lets users access GPT-4o with limited usage and slower speeds during peak hours. But ChatGPT Plus unlocks the full potential of GPT-4o with faster responses, priority access, and longer usage windows.

So far, OpenAI’s official pricing page still shows Plus as a paid service, and their support site hasn’t listed any free UAE-specific upgrades.

Even ChatGPT itself responded to the claim, stating:

“The details regarding free access to ChatGPT Plus for all residents have not been confirmed by OpenAI... ChatGPT Plus remains a paid service in the UAE.”

So, what’s Stargate UAE then?

It’s a massive AI infrastructure project—a collab between G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank—set to launch from the new UAE-US AI Campus in Abu Dhabi.

The project includes a 1-gigawatt Stargate cluster, expected to go live in 2026, and aims to supercharge AI research, innovation, and capacity for half the world’s population within a 2,000-mile radius.

Bottom line?

The UAE’s AI scene is leveling up fast, and yes—ChatGPT access is getting wider. But as of now, ChatGPT Plus is still a paid subscription in the UAE. Until OpenAI drops a clear announcement, don’t believe every viral post you see.