OpenAI has unveiled plans to launch a large-scale data center project in Abu Dhabi, furthering its global expansion of AI infrastructure. The initiative, named Stargate UAE, will introduce a 1-gigawatt data center cluster, making it one of the largest AI-focused facilities in the world. The first phase, with a capacity of 200 megawatts, is expected to become operational by 2026.
This major undertaking is being developed in partnership with several global tech heavyweights, including G42, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, and SoftBank. According to OpenAI, Stargate UAE will serve as a powerful hub, capable of delivering AI computing services across a massive 2,000-mile radius — covering parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
OpenAI has also introduced a new global program called “OpenAI for Countries”, aimed at helping national governments build their own AI ecosystems in alignment with U.S. policy frameworks. The UAE is the first nation to officially join this initiative, which will make tools like ChatGPT accessible nationwide — a move OpenAI claims will empower both businesses and citizens through advanced AI capabilities.
This announcement coincides with increasing global interest in AI infrastructure. Notably, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk recently revealed that his AI firm, xAI, is working on building a record-breaking AI training cluster of similar scale.
For India, this development signals a growing trend where countries are investing heavily in sovereign AI infrastructure. As the demand for AI capabilities surges across industries, similar collaborations could be on the horizon in South Asia, presenting new opportunities for public-private partnerships in digital innovation.
