Stargate UAE is a next-generation AI infrastructure cluster planned for the newly established 5-gigawatt UAE–U.S. AI Campus in Abu Dhabi. The project represents a major step in building sovereign, nation-scale AI capacity outside the United States.
Importantly, Stargate UAE marks the first international deployment of OpenAI’s AI infrastructure platform. It is also the first partnership under OpenAI for Countries, a global initiative designed to help governments develop domestic AI capability in coordination with the U.S. government.
A 1-Gigawatt Compute Cluster Led by Global Partners
The 1-gigawatt Stargate UAE compute cluster will be built by G42 and operated jointly by OpenAI and Oracle. In addition, the collaboration brings together Cisco, SoftBank Group, and NVIDIA.
Together, these partners aim to deliver large-scale compute, low-latency inferencing, and AI-ready infrastructure. As a result, the facility is positioned to support increasingly complex AI workloads across public and private sectors.
The first 200-megawatt AI cluster is expected to come online in 2026.
Leadership Emphasizes Trust, Scale, and Sovereignty
Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, described the project as a milestone in the UAE–U.S. AI relationship. He emphasized that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to responsible innovation and long-term global progress.
Similarly, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the UAE deployment turns a bold concept into reality. He noted that Stargate UAE is the first major milestone under OpenAI for Countries and a step toward ensuring that critical AI breakthroughs can emerge from more regions worldwide.
Meanwhile, Oracle Chairman and CTO Larry Ellison highlighted the platform’s sovereign design. According to Ellison, Stargate UAE will allow government agencies and enterprises to connect data directly to advanced AI models while setting a new benchmark for digital sovereignty.
NVIDIA, SoftBank, and Cisco Highlight Strategic Impact
NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang framed Stargate UAE as foundational national infrastructure. He said the project will support economic growth, empower people, and help shape the UAE’s future.
SoftBank Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son echoed that view. He noted that the UAE is the first country beyond the U.S. to adopt the Stargate platform, reinforcing its global ambitions. He added that trusted partnerships and bold investments can drive a more connected and empowered world.
At the same time, Cisco Chair and CEO Chuck Robbins stressed the importance of secure connectivity. He said Cisco’s AI-optimized networking will help transform intelligence into real-world impact at global scale.
A 5-Gigawatt Campus Built for Sustainable Compute
The broader UAE–U.S. AI Campus will span 10 square miles, making it the largest AI infrastructure deployment outside the U.S. Once complete, it will deliver 5 gigawatts of AI data center capacity and regional compute resources.
To limit carbon emissions, the campus will draw power from nuclear, solar, and natural gas sources. In addition, it will include a science park focused on innovation, talent development, and sustainable compute systems.
Government Framework Strengthens Bilateral Cooperation
The initiative builds on the newly announced U.S.–UAE AI Acceleration Partnership. This framework aims to deepen cooperation on AI and advanced technologies while prioritizing safe, secure, and responsible development.
Under the agreement, UAE entities will also expand investments in U.S. digital infrastructure. These efforts include projects such as Stargate U.S. and align with the recently announced America First Investment Policy.
OpenAI Eyes a Global Stargate Network
OpenAI said it is already engaging with other governments interested in building their own Stargate deployments. During the initial phase of OpenAI for Countries, the company plans to pursue 10 partnerships across key regions.
Ultimately, OpenAI envisions a globally distributed AI network that balances national sovereignty with shared access to advanced compute.
