Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, a coalition of global technology companies has announced the launch of the 'Stargate UAE' project in a significant advancement towards artificial intelligence and international collaboration.

Participating organizations include G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, SoftBank Group, and Cisco.

The 'Stargate UAE' initiative is set to establish a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence computing infrastructure with an initial capacity of 1 gigawatt at the new UAE-American AI hub in Abu Dhabi, which is designed to expand to a total capacity of 5 gigawatts.

The initiative aims to facilitate enhanced AI capabilities while reducing data processing times, thereby meeting the growing demand for innovative AI solutions across various sectors such as healthcare, energy, finance, and transportation.

The launch ceremony was attended by prominent leaders including Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Governor of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence Council, along with other senior officials.

G42 is responsible for the construction of 'Stargate UAE,' while OpenAI and Oracle will jointly oversee its operations.

Cisco will provide zero-trust security systems and AI-supported connectivity infrastructure, with additional collaboration from SoftBank and NVIDIA, which will supply advanced AI computing platforms, including the latest 'Grace Hopper' chip technology.

The facility is expected to begin operations with a 200-megawatt computing cluster in 2026. The project aims to create a scalable and reliable AI framework while accelerating scientific discoveries and driving innovation across multiple sectors, contributing to future economic growth and national development.

Just prior to this announcement, the UAE and the United States revealed plans to develop the UAE-American AI hub, with participation from Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

This initiative is part of a new partnership known as the 'Accelerating AI Partnership between the United States and the UAE,' aimed at enhancing cooperation in AI and advanced technologies to develop secure, reliable, and responsible AI that benefits humanity.

As part of this collaboration, UAE entities are set to expand their investments in digital infrastructure within the United States through projects like 'Stargate USA,' aligning with the recently announced 'America First for Investment' policy.

The UAE-American AI hub will span 10 square miles, positioning it as the largest facility of its kind outside the United States, and will provide AI data centers and regional computing resources with a capacity of up to 5 gigawatts.

To reduce carbon emissions, the facility will utilize nuclear, solar, and natural gas energy sources.

Additionally, it will include a scientific park intended to foster innovation, talent development, and sustainable computing infrastructure.

Beng Xiao, CEO of G42, highlighted the project as a significant step in the partnership between the UAE and the U.S. in the field of AI. He expressed pride in collaborating with institutions that share a commitment to responsible innovation and global progress.

Sam Altman, Co-Founder and CEO of OpenAI, noted the establishment of the first 'Stargate' project outside the U.S. in the UAE, emphasizing this initiative as a bold vision made real.

He underscored the potential for breakthroughs in essential areas such as safer medicines, personalized education, and sustainable energy solutions as a result of this global collaboration.

Larry Ellison, CTO and Director of Oracle, stated that the project combines Oracle’s AI-enhanced cloud with sovereign state infrastructure, allowing governmental entities and businesses in the UAE to connect their data with the latest global AI models.

Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA, remarked on the importance of AI in transforming the present era and affirmed the project’s role in constructing the necessary AI infrastructure to support the UAE’s vision for empowering its populace and nurturing its economy.

Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group, noted that the UAE is the first country outside the U.S. to adopt this AI sovereign platform, reflecting the global significance of the vision.

Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO of Cisco, expressed pride in Cisco's involvement in 'Stargate UAE,' emphasizing the creation of smart, secure, and energy-efficient networks that translate AI investments into tangible impacts worldwide.