Stargate UAE to Revolutionize AI Infrastructure in 2026
Deal News | May 22, 2025 | Zawya
A new and massive AI data center project named 'Stargate UAE' is set to commence operations in the United Arab Emirates by 2026. The project, facilitated by U.S. President Donald Trump, will be one of the world's largest AI data centers outside the U.S. despite prior U.S. restrictions on high-tech exports to the UAE due to its affiliations with China. The initiative will unfold on a site spanning ten square miles in Abu Dhabi, eventually accommodating 5 gigawatts of data processing power. The first phase, with a capacity of 1 gigawatt, will be driven by a collaboration between UAE state-backed entity G42 and notable U.S. firms, including OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, and Cisco Systems, alongside Japan's SoftBank Group. Expectedly, it will leverage approximately 100,000 Nvidia chips. The U.S. Commerce Department plans to ensure the maintenance of 'robust U.S. security standards' via a joint working group with the UAE.
Sectors
- Information Technology
Geography
- United Arab Emirates – The project is based in the UAE, making it the focal geographic location for the operations and infrastructural development discussed in the article.
- United States – The involvement of U.S. companies and the U.S. government's policy changes related to tech export to the UAE are crucial aspects of the discussed project.
Industry
- Information Technology – The article pertains to the IT industry through the development of a significant AI data center, incorporating advanced computing technologies and hardware solutions.
Financials
- N/A – The article does not detail specific financial figures for the project development costs or investments.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stargate UAE | Target Company | Company | An AI data center project in the UAE, set to be the largest outside the U.S. with an emphasis on advanced AI computing. |
| G42 | Developer | Company | A state-backed UAE firm developing the Stargate UAE project. |
| OpenAI | Technology Partner | Company | A U.S.-based AI research and deployment company partnering in the project. |
| Oracle | Technology Partner | Company | A multinational computer technology corporation involved in the project. |
| Nvidia | Technology Supplier | Company | A U.S.-based company providing graphics processing units (GPUs) and AI server systems for the project. |
| Cisco Systems | Technology Partner | Company | An American technology conglomerate involved in delivering necessary network technologies for the project. |
| SoftBank Group | Investor | Company | A Japanese multinational involved in investments for the project. |
| Donald Trump | Facilitator | People | Former U.S. President instrumental in brokering the deal for the data center project. |
| U.S. Commerce Department | Government | Government | The U.S. government body overseeing export controls to ensure the project meets security standards. |