The United Arab Emirates is taking a decisive step toward global tech leadership with the Stargate AI campus. The first 200 megawatts (MW) of its planned 5‑gigawatt (GW) capacity are expected to become operational in 2026. Led by Abu Dhabi‑based AI firm G42, this project is part of a broader strategy to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. Major tech players—OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank—are collaborating with G42 on this venture.
Stargate UAE is being built under the UAE–U.S. AI Campus program in Abu Dhabi. The full campus will span 10 square miles and deliver up to 5 GW of AI data centre capacity when completed. The first cluster, known as Stargate UAE, will cover 1 GW; 200 MW of this is scheduled to go online in 2026.
This project strengthens the UAE’s economic diversification beyond oil, paving the way for new industries in AI compute infrastructure. As energy‑intensive projects go, it also highlights the UAE’s shift toward integrating sustainable energy sources: the facility will be powered by a mix of solar, nuclear, and natural gas energy. By investing heavily in high‑performance compute infrastructure, the UAE is positioning itself as a hub for AI development. This can attract global firms, talent, and further investment, while also building capacity in sectors like healthcare, transportation, education, and energy.
Operating large AI data centres demands immense power. The use of nuclear, solar, and natural gas helps manage emissions and establish a balance between energy consumption, sustainability, and operational reliability. The UAE has emphasised clean energy commitments; this project reflects that ambition.
The UAE–U.S. partnership has strategic dimensions. Export controls, technology transfers, and trust are central to the collaboration. G42’s past links with China have raised scrutiny in Washington, and the agreement includes mechanisms to ensure standards, security, and responsible deployment of AI infrastructure. The project also falls under OpenAI’s “OpenAI for Countries” initiative, aiming to build sovereign AI capacity outside the U.S. while aligning with democratic values, open markets, and international trust.
After the 200 MW initial phase, work continues on the rest of the 1 GW Stargate UAE cluster. Beyond that, the full 5 GW campus will expand to meet demand. Talks are ongoing with other hyperscalers, and the success of the first phase will likely shape investment and operational models for the rest.
