During a compelling discussion at Gitex Global in Dubai, it was revealed that Artificial Intelligence is not just a strategic vision for the UAE, but a practical tool integrated at the highest levels of leadership. The conversation between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Peng Xiao, CEO of Abu Dhabi’s G42, highlighted the nation’s advanced and hands-on approach to AI adoption.
A Royal Seal of Approval for AI
Peng Xiao shared a remarkable anecdote illustrating the depth of AI integration within the UAE’s leadership. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of G42, personally used ChatGPT to design his new Japanese-style home. Xiao noted that the chairman prompted the AI tool over 500 times to perfect the design. Furthermore, he revealed that Sheikh Tahnoon’s office operates with a 10-to-1 ratio of AI agents to human employees, stating, “I think the future is here today.”
An Exemplary National AI Strategy
Sam Altman, speaking via video link, lauded the UAE’s proactive stance on artificial intelligence, positioning it as a global benchmark. “Every country is going to need to have an AI strategy,” Altman remarked, describing the UAE’s approach as “an example for the rest of the world.” He emphasized that AI has rapidly transitioned into an indispensable part of daily life and productivity, a trend that will only accelerate in the coming years.
Stargate The Future of AI Infrastructure in the UAE
Solidifying this strategic alignment, OpenAI has selected the UAE as the first international location for its ambitious Stargate data infrastructure project. This monumental initiative, developed in partnership with G42, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, and SoftBank, is expected to provide up to 5 gigawatts of computing power. The Stargate project aims to significantly expand global AI infrastructure and access, deepening international cooperation on advanced technologies in coordination with the US government.
The New Economics of Intelligence
As AI systems grow in power, their demand for computing capacity and energy escalates. Altman addressed this challenge by forecasting a fundamental economic shift. “We are heading to a world where the cost of intelligence is going to convert to the cost of energy,” he stated, underscoring the critical link between energy resources and the future of AI development—a reality projects like Stargate are designed to address.
About G42
G42 is an Abu Dhabi-based, global leader in creating visionary artificial intelligence for a better tomorrow. Born in Abu Dhabi and operating across the world, G42 champions AI as a powerful force for good. Its people are constantly reimagining what technology can do, applying advanced thinking and innovation to accelerate progress and tackle society’s most pressing problems. G42 is driving change in the region and beyond, joining forces with nations, corporations, and individuals to create the infrastructure for tomorrow’s world.
Source: AGBI
