OpenAI to Build World’s Largest Data Centre in Abu Dhabi

OpenAI is setting up a massive AI data center in Abu Dhabi—its first Stargate infrastructure outside the United States. This move puts the UAE at the center of global AI development and marks a major step in the country’s tech ambitions.

The project, called Stargate UAE, is being developed with the help of major tech players like G42, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank. G42, an AI company backed by the UAE’s sovereign wealth fund, is leading the local collaboration.

One of the World’s Largest AI Centers

When complete, the data center will have a capacity of 5 gigawatts, making it one of the largest of its kind globally. It will cover around 10 square miles in Abu Dhabi, much larger than OpenAI’s first Stargate facility in Texas, which is planned to be 1.2 gigawatts.

The site is expected to become a key hub for powering advanced AI tools and software, including systems built by OpenAI. It also strengthens the UAE’s position as a growing tech powerhouse in the Middle East.

Stronger UAE–US AI Ties

This project also reflects the growing collaboration between the US and UAE in the field of artificial intelligence. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called it a “bold leap forward” and said the UAE will play a crucial role in making advanced AI more globally accessible.

G42 CEO Peng Xiao echoed the sentiment, calling the partnership a major milestone in UAE–US cooperation on AI technology.

ChatGPT Coming to Everyone in the UAE

As part of the deal, the UAE will be the first country to roll out ChatGPT services nationwide. Residents will gain access to ChatGPT-Plus, and the tool will be used across government offices, energy, health, and education sectors.

This rollout is part of a broader push to integrate AI into everyday services and decision-making, making OpenAI’s tools accessible on a national scale.

Building a Global AI Network

The Abu Dhabi site could serve as an AI hub for a region that includes up to half of the world’s population within a 2,000-mile radius. This fits OpenAI’s goal of building a worldwide, decentralized AI network that can drive innovation everywhere—not just in tech capitals.

With plans to build more Stargate facilities in other parts of the world, OpenAI is laying the groundwork for a global AI infrastructure. And by choosing Abu Dhabi as the first step, it’s clear the UAE is no longer just watching the AI race—it’s leading it.