UAE to Launch World’s Largest AI Data Centre Outside US by 2026

‘Stargate UAE’—a $multi-billion AI hub backed by OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, and SoftBank—set to transform global AI infrastructure

Abu Dhabi, UAE — In a landmark move that positions the United Arab Emirates at the forefront of global artificial intelligence innovation, the first phase of the Stargate UAE project—touted to become the world’s largest AI data centre complex outside the United States—is slated to go live in 2026.

Spanning 10 square miles (26 sq km) in Abu Dhabi, the Stargate UAE project represents a powerful new chapter in AI infrastructure development. The initiative was forged under a historic agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling a seismic shift in international cooperation around emerging technologies.

Phase One: 1 Gigawatt of AI Power

The initial rollout of the project will involve a 1-gigawatt data centre, built by UAE state-backed firm G42, in collaboration with an elite consortium of global tech giants: OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco Systems, and Japan’s SoftBank Group.

The centre will be powered by Nvidia’s Grace Blackwell GB300 systems, the most advanced AI server platforms in the industry. The first 200 megawatts of computing capacity—equivalent to approximately 1,400 servers housing 100,000 Nvidia chips—will be operational in 2026, according to project officials.

AI Collaboration on a Global Scale

Larry Ellison, Oracle’s Chairman and Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the transformational potential of the initiative:

“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.”

The GB300 servers, as estimated by TrendForce, each house 72 high-performance chips and consume around 140 kilowatts per unit, underscoring the scale and intensity of computing power that will be deployed.

Regulatory Backing and Global Security Standards

In a pivotal policy shift, the Trump administration recently rescinded restrictions imposed by President Joe Biden that had limited the export of AI chips to certain countries, including the UAE. This policy change cleared the path for the Stargate project to proceed without hindrance.

However, in a statement released last week, the U.S. Commerce Department announced that it will form a bilateral working group with the UAE to ensure that the initiative adheres to robust U.S. national security standards and upholds principles of responsible AI deployment on a global scale.

A New Chapter for the UAE’s AI Future

Once fully operational, the 5-gigawatt Stargate UAE complex will serve as a powerhouse for artificial intelligence research, development, and deployment—supporting governmental, commercial, and research institutions across the Middle East and beyond. It is expected to dramatically expand the UAE’s influence in the AI ecosystem and complement its ongoing digital transformation efforts.

This move reinforces the UAE’s vision to become a global AI leader, transforming itself into a hub of next-generation innovation, data sovereignty, and technological excellence.

As the world watches this ambitious mega-project unfold, Stargate UAE is poised not only to reshape the region’s digital economy but also to redefine how global supercomputing power is distributed in the age of artificial intelligence.