OpenAI is making significant strides in its data center project, expanding its reach to the Middle East. On Thursday, the company revealed its latest initiative, Stargate UAE, which will feature a 1 gigawatt (GW) data center cluster in Abu Dhabi.
OpenAI plans to have 200 megawatts (MW) operational by 2026, developed in collaboration with partners such as G42, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, and SoftBank. According to OpenAI’s blog post, Stargate UAE is expected to enhance AI infrastructure and compute capacity for a vast area within a 2,000-mile radius.
This initiative marks the first collaboration under OpenAI for Countries, a global initiative aimed at assisting governments in establishing their own AI capabilities, in coordination with the U.S. government. As part of this partnership, the UAE will become the first nation to offer nationwide access to ChatGPT, allowing residents to utilize OpenAI’s advanced technology.
The announcement of Stargate UAE coincides with a notable development in the AI sector, as billionaire Elon Musk recently disclosed plans for his company, xAI, to create the world’s first “gigawatt” AI training cluster. This news highlights the growing competition and accelerated advancements in AI infrastructure, with multiple companies racing to establish their foothold in the rapidly evolving industry.
As these initiatives unfold, they are poised to shape the future of AI technology in the region and beyond, fostering innovation and collaboration among leading tech firms and governments. The commitment to expanding AI capabilities reflects the increasing emphasis on harnessing technology to create new opportunities and drive progress across various sectors.