OpenAI, Oracle Corp ORCL, Nvidia Corp NVDA, Cisco Systems, Inc CSCO, SoftBank Group SFTBF SFTBY, and Group 42 Holding have announced a collaboration for the development of the Stargate UAE project.
Stargate UAE will feature a state-of-the-art AI infrastructure cluster, set to operate within the newly launched 5-gigawatt UAE–U.S. AI Campus located in Abu Dhabi.
Group 42 will construct a 1-gigawatt computation cluster for Stargate UAE, with OpenAI and Oracle managing operations.
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The partnership will also include contributions from Cisco, which will provide its zero-trust security measures and AI-compatible connectivity solutions, along with support from SoftBank Group and Nvidia, which will offer the latest Nvidia Grace Blackwell GB300 systems.
The initial 200-megawatt AI cluster is expected to launch by 2026. Stargate UAE aims to enhance scientific research and foster innovation across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, finance, and transportation, boosting economic growth and national advancement.
The expansive UAE–U.S. AI infrastructure campus, covering 10 square miles, represents the largest deployment of its kind outside the United States. It will deliver 5 gigawatts of AI data center capacity and regional computational resources.
Sustainability will be prioritized through a blend of nuclear energy, solar power, and natural gas to reduce carbon emissions. The site will also feature a science park dedicated to promoting innovation, talent cultivation, and sustainable computing frameworks.
Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia, stated, “AI is the most transformative force of our era. Through Stargate UAE, we are establishing the necessary AI infrastructure to support the country’s ambitious vision—empowering its citizens, expanding its economy, and shaping its future.”
Chuck Robbins, chair and CEO of Cisco, remarked, “Cisco is excited to participate in Stargate UAE to foster pioneering AI innovations in the UAE and worldwide. By integrating our secure AI-optimized networking solutions for this global initiative, we are creating intelligent, secure, and energy-efficient networks that will maximize impact globally.”
“Establishing the world’s first Stargate outside the U.S. in the UAE marks a significant advancement in realizing a bold vision. This is a key step in our OpenAI for Countries initiative aimed at collaborating with allies to develop AI infrastructure globally. It is essential for enabling groundbreaking advancements, safer medications, personalized education, and modernized energy solutions to emerge from diverse locations and benefit the global community,” noted Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI.
An April report suggested that Stargate is evaluating a future investment in the UK to establish the necessary infrastructure for supporting advanced AI models.
The AI infrastructure joint venture, backed by OpenAI and SoftBank, is aiming to amass $100 billion for AI infrastructure projects, with potential growth up to $500 billion over the next four years.
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