OpenAI is launching a massive project called “Stargate UAE” in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the UAE government. The project is part of the global “OpenAI for Countries” program and aims to develop AI infrastructure at the national and global levels.
Free access to ChatGPT Plus for UAE citizens
In an unprecedented move, the UAE government has announced that all citizens of the country will have free access to the advanced version of ChatGPT Plus. This is the first time that a country has offered such a privilege to its citizens nationwide.
Stargate UAE project details
Capacity and schedule: The project involves the construction of a 1 gigawatt AI computing cluster, with 200 megawatts of which will be operational by 2026.
Key partners: Leading companies such as Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, SoftBank and the UAE company G42 are collaborating on the project. The roles are divided as follows: G42 is responsible for construction, OpenAI and Oracle are responsible for operation, Nvidia is providing advanced hardware, and Cisco is providing security and networking infrastructure.
Location and scale: Located at the joint US-UAE AI Campus in Abu Dhabi, the facility will be the largest AI data center outside the United States, spanning over 10 square miles.
Energy sources: The facility will be powered by a variety of sources, including nuclear, solar, and natural gas, to minimize environmental impact.
International collaborations and future goals
The project is being developed within the framework of the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership and includes mutual investments in AI infrastructure in both countries. The primary goal is to safely and responsibly develop and deploy AI technologies in areas such as health, education, and energy.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called the project a significant step towards the global expansion of AI infrastructure, highlighting its importance in transformations such as medicine, education and energy.
With the implementation of the Stargate UAE project, the UAE is solidifying its position as a global leader in AI and demonstrating how international collaboration can help develop cutting-edge technologies on a global scale.

