The United Arab Emirates has taken a significant leap forward in its mission to become a global artificial intelligence hub, following the United States’ approval for several billion dollars worth of advanced Nvidia AI chip exports. This landmark decision clears the path for the ambitious Stargate UAE infrastructure project, which is being developed by Abu Dhabi-based AI company G42. The approval marks the first major implementation of the bilateral US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership announced in May 2025.
A Milestone for the US-UAE AI Partnership
The export licenses, issued by the US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, are a direct outcome of the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership framework. This agreement, solidified during a presidential visit in May 2025, allows the UAE to import up to 500,000 of Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips annually. The approval resolves months of uncertainty and reported delays, overcoming previous restrictions that had threatened the nation’s ability to develop sovereign AI capabilities and ensuring the landmark project remains on schedule.
Fueling the Stargate UAE Project
Construction for the Stargate UAE global AI hub is already underway in Abu Dhabi. The influx of Nvidia’s high-end AI chips is critical for building out the project’s massive data centres. The first phase is now firmly on track to bring 200 Megawatts (MW) of AI compute capacity online in 2026. Once operational, the facility will be operated by OpenAI and Oracle, utilising cutting-edge systems like Nvidia’s Grace Blackwell GB300 to power its computational capabilities.
Building a Global AI Superpower
The Stargate UAE project is the cornerstone of a much larger vision. It is planned to ultimately provide 1 Gigawatt (GW) of AI compute as part of OpenAI’s global network of Stargate hubs. Furthermore, it is a key component of the ambitious 5 GW UAE-US AI Campus. This campus is set to become the largest AI data centre deployment outside the United States, enabling US hyperscalers to serve nearly half the world’s population while establishing the UAE’s sovereign AI-grade compute at an unprecedented scale.
About Stargate UAE
Stargate UAE is a global AI hub under development in Abu Dhabi, led by the AI company G42 in partnership with the UAE and US governments and American technology firms. It represents a key part of the UAE’s strategy to become a world leader in AI infrastructure and services. The project is also the first milestone in OpenAI’s “OpenAI for Countries” programme, which aims to build AI infrastructure partnerships with international allies.
Source: middleeastainews
