Abu Dhabi will soon be the location of the world’s largest artificial intelligence data centre under the Stargate UAE project, with operations set to commence in 2026. The first phase will introduce a 1-gigawatt compute cluster, featuring advanced AI server technology from Nvidia, specifically the Grace Blackwell GB300 systems.

This initiative is being developed by G42, a state-backed UAE company, in partnership with several major US firms, including OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, and Cisco Systems, along with Japan's SoftBank Group.

The project encompasses a 10-square-mile (approximately 26 square kilometers) site in Abu Dhabi, which is expected to host a total capacity of 5 gigawatts of data centres.

The initial 200 megawatts of capacity from the Stargate UAE project is projected to be operational by 2026. While specific server numbers remain undisclosed, industry estimates suggest the deployment might involve around 100,000 Nvidia chips given the power consumption data for the latest AI servers.

Larry Ellison, Oracle's chief technology officer, remarked that the platform will enable collaboration between various UAE government agencies and commercial entities, granting access to leading AI models.

The project aligns with recent regulatory shifts in the United States, where the Trump administration has moved to ease restrictions on the export of AI chips to nations such as the UAE.

The US Commerce Department is expected to establish guidelines ensuring the project's adherence to national security standards and responsible AI deployment practices.

The Stargate UAE facility is part of a broader strategy to enhance the UAE's standing as a global AI technology leader, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration with leading international technology firms.

The data centre will be developed at the newly established UAE–US AI Campus, which aims to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure while minimizing carbon emissions through a multi-source energy strategy that includes nuclear, solar, and natural gas.

This facility is projected to surpass existing AI data centres operated by OpenAI or its competitors, significantly exceeding the capacity of the forthcoming 1.2-gigawatt site planned in Abilene, Texas.

The UAE-US AI Campus represents a significant step in deepening the bilateral relationship in technology and innovation.

It is intended to be a critical hub for distributing US-designed AI software across global markets, potentially serving over half the world's population due to its strategic geographic positioning.

In addition to its infrastructural advancements, the Stargate UAE initiative includes plans for nationwide access to OpenAI's ChatGPT services, integrating these tools across various sectors such as energy, healthcare, and education.

Residents of the UAE will also be provided with subscriptions to ChatGPT-Plus, facilitating broader public access to the latest AI technologies.

As the project progresses, it is expected to bolster the UAE's influence in the AI domain while providing a foundation for future developments in AI infrastructure across multiple regions.

This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the global landscape of AI technology, reflecting an ongoing commitment to innovation and technological advancement.