G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, SoftBank, and Cisco partner to build 5GW AI data centre campus in UAE — the largest outside the US — with first phase to go live in 2026
In a bold stride toward reshaping the global artificial intelligence landscape, six of the world’s leading technology and innovation companies — G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, SoftBank Group, and Cisco — have joined forces to develop Stargate UAE, a next-generation AI compute cluster set to be the largest of its kind outside the United States. Anchored at the newly established UAE–US AI Campus in Abu Dhabi, this groundbreaking initiative marks a new chapter in international AI collaboration, sovereignty, and technological leadership.
A Landmark in Global AI Infrastructure
Spanning 10 square miles (26 sq km), the UAE–US AI Campus is designed to offer 5 gigawatts of AI data centre capacity, redefining the scale of AI infrastructure in the region and globally. At the heart of the campus is Stargate UAE, a 1-gigawatt AI cluster spearheaded by G42, which will be developed in close collaboration with its global tech partners and operated by OpenAI and Oracle.
The first 200 megawatts of the project are expected to be operational by 2026, representing the first phase of a phased rollout of sovereign AI infrastructure across the emirates. It will leverage NVIDIA’s cutting-edge Grace Blackwell GB300 systems, integrate Cisco’s secure, AI-optimized networking solutions, and benefit from the strategic vision and backing of SoftBank Group.
Powering an Intelligent, Sustainable Future
Stargate UAE is designed not only for scale and speed but for sustainability and innovation. The project will be powered by a blend of nuclear, solar, and natural gas sources to minimize its environmental impact. Alongside the data centre, the campus will host a science park to drive research, local talent development, and ecosystem growth across disciplines.
The project aims to deliver nation-scale compute capacity and low-latency AI inferencing that will serve both public and private sector applications — from advanced medicine and personalized education to energy optimization and secure digital services.
Voices from the Partnership
Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, described the venture as a global leap forward:
“By establishing the world’s first Stargate outside of the US in the UAE, we’re transforming a bold vision into reality. This is the first major milestone in our OpenAI for Countries initiative… ensuring breakthroughs like safer medicines, personalized learning, and modernized energy emerge from more places and benefit the world.”
Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, echoed the sentiment of collaboration and ambition:
“This initiative is about building a bridge – rooted in trust and ambition – that helps bring the benefits of AI to economies, societies, and people around the world.”
Larry Ellison, Oracle CTO and chairman, emphasized the transformational scope:
“This first-in-the-world platform will enable every UAE government agency and commercial institution to connect their data to the world’s most advanced AI models… setting a new standard for digital sovereignty.”
Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, highlighted the scale of innovation:
“With Stargate UAE, we are building the AI infrastructure to power the country’s bold vision – to empower its people, grow its economy, and shape its future.”
Masayoshi Son, chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group, pointed to the global vision of the initiative:
“Now, the UAE becomes the first nation beyond America to embrace this sovereign AI platform, proving the global nature of this vision… creating a more connected, more joyful and more empowered world.”
Chuck Robbins, chair and CEO of Cisco, noted the foundational infrastructure role:
“We’re building smart, secure and energy-efficient networks that will turn intelligence into impact at global scale.”
Deepening UAE-US Ties
The launch of Stargate UAE comes in the wake of recent geopolitical and economic alignments between the United Arab Emirates and the United States, including a landmark $1.4 trillion investment pledge by the UAE into the US economy, aimed at driving job creation and technological progress.
This project also follows President Donald Trump’s rescinding of a Biden-era rule that restricted the export of advanced AI chips to countries like the UAE. The US Commerce Department has since announced a joint working group with the UAE to ensure the deployment of AI infrastructure aligns with robust US security and ethical standards.
In a statement, OpenAI added:
“Stargate UAE represents the first partnership under our OpenAI for Countries initiative — a new effort to help governments build sovereign AI capabilities, anchored in democratic values, open markets, and trusted partnerships.”
A Sovereign AI Future
As global demand for AI infrastructure accelerates, the UAE is positioning itself as a global epicentre of innovation, sovereignty, and scalable intelligence. With Stargate UAE, the Emirates are not just investing in technology but creating the architecture of a smarter, more inclusive, and sustainable future.
The world will be watching in 2026 as the lights turn on at Stargate UAE — illuminating a path forward for AI infrastructure, responsible innovation, and international collaboration.
