G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, SoftBank Group, and Cisco have unveiled plans to build Stargate UAE—a massive 1-gigawatt AI compute cluster—in Abu Dhabi. The initiative will anchor the newly launched 5-gigawatt UAE–U.S. AI Campus, billed as the largest AI-focused data center complex outside the United States. Construction of the first 200-megawatt phase is slated for completion in 2026.
Stargate UAE will be constructed by G42 and operated jointly by OpenAI and Oracle. NVIDIA will supply Grace Blackwell GB300 AI systems, while Cisco contributes its AI-ready networking and zero-trust security. SoftBank is also backing the effort. The facility will serve as a national-scale AI platform for low-latency inferencing, scientific discovery, and AI-driven innovation across sectors including energy, healthcare, finance, and transportation.
The UAE–U.S. AI Campus spans 10 square miles and will draw energy from nuclear, solar, and natural gas sources. The broader effort stems from a strategic agreement between the UAE and U.S. governments under the “U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership,” with reciprocal investments expected in both nations, including a sister facility—Stargate U.S. The campus will also include a science park aimed at driving talent development and sustainable infrastructure innovation.
- Stargate UAE will deliver 1 GW of AI compute, with 200 MW live by 2026
- Located within the 5 GW UAE–U.S. AI Campus in Abu Dhabi
- Project backed by G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, SoftBank, and Cisco
- Energy sources include nuclear, solar, and natural gas
- Builds on the U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership and includes reciprocal investments
“The launch of Stargate UAE is a significant step in the UAE–U.S. AI partnership. As a founding partner, we’re proud to work alongside institutions that share our belief in responsible innovation and meaningful global progress,” said Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42.
- G42, short for Group 42, is an Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company founded in 2018. Positioned at the nexus of AI innovation and digital infrastructure, G42 focuses on large-scale computing, data analytics, genomics, and smart city technologies. The company has built one of the largest sovereign cloud platforms in the Middle East and plays a pivotal role in national AI strategy across sectors including healthcare, energy, and aerospace. Under the leadership of CEO Peng Xiao, G42 has formed high-profile partnerships with global tech firms and regional governments, cementing its reputation as a catalyst for digital transformation in the UAE and beyond. Its earlier initiatives include the launch of Inception Institute of Artificial Intelligence (IIAI) and the establishment of the Bayanat geospatial platform.