Global Tech Alliance Unveils Stargate UAE for Revolutionary AI Infrastructure

Introduction

In a remarkable stride for artificial intelligence (AI) and international collaboration, a consortium of tech giants—including G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, SoftBank Group, and Cisco—has officially launched Stargate UAE, an ambitious project that promises to redefine the landscape of AI infrastructure. This initiative aims to establish a state-of-the-art AI cluster within the newly conceived UAE-US AI Campus located in Abu Dhabi, which is set to operate with a capacity of five gigawatts.

Building a New Era of AI

Stargate UAE, specifically, is designed as a computing hub with an initial power output of one gigawatt. It will be developed by G42 and managed by OpenAI and Oracle, supported by Cisco's leading Zero Trust security solutions and connectivity, as well as NVIDIA, which will supply its cutting-edge Grace Blackwell GB300 systems. The facility is on track to provide national-level computing and low-latency inference services tailored for an increasingly intelligent world, with expectations of the first 200-megawatt cluster becoming operational in 2026.

The Vision and Implications

This groundbreaking cluster serves as a foundation for scalable and reliable AI solutions, set to accelerate scientific discovery while catalyzing innovation across multiple sectors—including healthcare, energy, finance, and transportation. The project is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering future economic growth alongside national development initiatives.

Announced in a high-profile event attended by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and former U.S. President Donald Trump, Stargate UAE is part of a new framework aimed at enhancing cooperation and collaboration in AI technologies based on a commitment to safe and responsible AI advancements that will yield long-term benefits for humanity.

Enhancing Digital Sovereignty

The comprehensive AI Campus, with an impressive area of 26 square kilometers, marks the largest AI infrastructure joint venture outside the United States, providing not only data center capacity but also regional computing resources powered by nuclear, solar, and natural gas energy sources to minimize carbon emissions. Furthermore, the campus will house a scientific park designed to stimulate innovation and cultivate talent, underscoring a commitment to sustainable computing practices.

Peng Xiao, CEO of G42, expressed pride in launching Stargate UAE as a significant step in the US-UAE alliance in AI. He emphasized the commitment to responsible innovation and the belief that this collaboration can bridge the gaps between economies and societies through transformative AI technologies.

Statements from Tech Leaders

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, remarked on the historical significance of establishing the first Stargate outside the United States in the UAE, as it can serve as a major hub for AI innovations, with potential breakthroughs in medicine, education, and energy management benefiting global communities.

Larry Ellison, Oracle's CTO, stated that Stargate integrates Oracle’s AI-optimized cloud with a secure national-scale infrastructure. He proposed that this pioneering platform could connect all UAE government agencies and commercial institutions to the world's most advanced AI models, setting a new standard for digital sovereignty.

Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA, emphasized the transformative power of AI with Stargate UAE as a key infrastructural framework to empower the nation's potential in various sectors.

Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank Group, reflected on the initial unveiling of Stargate in the U.S. and how the UAE has now emerged as the first nation to adapt this sovereign AI framework outside of the U.S., indicating the expansion of this global vision.

Chuck Robbins, Cisco's CEO, highlighted Cisco’s role in facilitating revolutionary AI innovation through the deployment of their optimized network infrastructure within this international project. He expressed optimism about the potential impact of Stargate UAE on a global scale.

Conclusion

Stargate UAE signifies not just a technological advancement but also a commitment to global collaboration and innovation that could ultimately shape the future of AI and its applications. As AI continues to evolve, initiatives like Stargate UAE will be instrumental in ensuring that technological advancements can be harnessed for the benefit of societies around the world.