OpenAI Launches Stargate UAE in First Global AI Infrastructure Partnership

OpenAI has introduced Stargate UAE, the first international deployment of its AI infrastructure platform—and the first partnership under OpenAI for Countries, a new initiative to help governments build national AI capabilities in collaboration with the U.S. The project aims to expand sovereign AI capabilities abroad while reinforcing global partnerships rooted in shared democratic values, economic openness, and trusted cooperation with the United States.

The announcement marks a major step in OpenAI’s plan to build frontier-scale compute capacity around the world in support of safe and broadly beneficial artificial general intelligence (AGI). It also introduces the UAE as the first country to roll out nationwide access to ChatGPT, enabling OpenAI tools to reach people across the entire nation.

A Partnership Anchored in AI and Diplomacy

Stargate UAE is more than an infrastructure deployment—it reflects a new kind of cross-border collaboration. Developed with support from the U.S. government, the agreement brings together key technology partners including G42, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank. It’s a tangible example of how OpenAI for Countries is being put into practice: blending technical capacity-building with geopolitical alignment.

Rather than a one-off investment, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to help allies build sovereign AI capabilities while maintaining shared guardrails for safety, openness, and interoperability across national systems.

The partnership reflects a dual investment approach:

• A 1-gigawatt Stargate UAE cluster in Abu Dhabi, with 200 megawatts expected to go live by 2026

• UAE investment into U.S.-based Stargate infrastructure, furthering the U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership announced during President Trump’s recent visit

OpenAI framed the announcement as part of its broader commitment to strengthening U.S. infrastructure while responsibly extending advanced AI capabilities to allied nations.

Expanding AI Access and Regional Reach

In addition to building compute infrastructure, Stargate UAE will enable the use of OpenAI’s tools across key sectors such as:

• Government

• Energy

• Healthcare

• Education

• Transportation

This rollout aims to support innovation and economic growth across the UAE. The country will also become the first in the world to activate nationwide ChatGPT access, giving residents and institutions direct, country-wide use of OpenAI technologies.

The new compute hub is designed with regional impact in mind. Once live, Stargate UAE could deliver AI services within a 2,000-mile radius—a reach that includes up to half of the world’s population.

Toward a Globally Distributed AI Network

OpenAI says it views Stargate UAE as a starting point for broader international collaboration. The company has been in contact with other governments interested in building national AI infrastructure through similar partnerships.

As previously announced, OpenAI’s initial goal is to pursue ten strategic partnerships across key countries and regions, creating the groundwork for a globally distributed, democratically powered AI network.

To support that effort, OpenAI Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon will begin an Asia Pacific roadshow next week, meeting with national governments and private-sector leaders to explore future Stargate deployments, and extend AI access to individuals and institutions within the local communities.

What This Means

With Stargate UAE, OpenAI is formalizing a new model of international AI collaboration—one that blends infrastructure, diplomacy, and strategic alignment. This isn’t just about deploying AI tools abroad; it’s about building the physical and political foundations for how safe, advanced AI is developed and shared across borders.

Notably, the UAE is now the first country in the world to pay for and provide nationwide access to ChatGPT—a move that redefines what national-scale AI adoption can look like. It signals a shift from individual or enterprise use toward government-backed, population-wide access to AI tools. That scale brings both opportunity and responsibility: empowering millions while demanding strong governance, safeguards, and public trust.

The dual investment structure—UAE support for U.S. infrastructure and U.S. backing of UAE deployment—signals a shift toward mutually reinforcing AI ecosystems. That model could shape how global AI partnerships evolve, especially as more countries seek to gain direct access to frontier models without compromising national sovereignty or alignment with global norms.

As AI becomes a core part of national competitiveness, OpenAI’s foray into country-level collaboration may set new standards for what “AI diplomacy” looks like in practice.

Global infrastructure is no longer just about data centers—it’s about who gets to build with AI, and under what terms.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.