The initial phase of a monumental new artificial intelligence data center in the United Arab Emirates is slated to come online in 2026, reportedly featuring 100,000 Nvidia chips.
The “Stargate UAE” project is a key component of a deal brokered last week by U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to establish the world’s largest cluster of AI data centers outside the United States. This development follows previous U.S. restrictions on sending advanced technology to the UAE due to its close ties with China.
The extensive 10-square-mile (26 sq km) site in Abu Dhabi is ultimately designed to host data centers with a total capacity of 5 gigawatts.
The first phase of this ambitious undertaking will be the one-gigawatt Stargate UAE project, constructed by the state-backed UAE firm G42 in collaboration with U.S. companies OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, and Cisco Systems, as well as Japan’s SoftBank Group.
The participating companies announced on Thursday that the Stargate UAE project will utilize Nvidia’s Grace Blackwell GB300 systems, which are currently the most advanced AI servers offered by Nvidia.
The first 200 megawatts of capacity are scheduled to go live in 2026, according to the companies. While the group did not specify the number of servers, analyst firm TrendForce estimates that GB300 servers, each containing 72 chips, consume approximately 140 kilowatts of power. This translates to roughly 1,400 servers or 100,000 Nvidia chips for the initial phase.
“This first-in-the-world platform will enable every UAE government agency and commercial institution to connect their data to the world’s most advanced AI models,” stated Larry Ellison, Oracle’s chief technology officer and chairman, in a press release.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration rescinded a rule that had been implemented by President Joe Biden, which would have restricted the flow of AI chips to countries such as the UAE.
The U.S. Commerce Department—responsible for overseeing export controls—has not yet disclosed what will replace the rescinded rule. However, it stated last week that it would convene a working group between the U.S. and UAE to ensure that the project adheres to “robust U.S. security standards and other efforts to responsibly deploy AI infrastructure, both in the UAE and globally.”
Additional Information:
This project represents a significant step for the UAE in its efforts to establish itself as a global leader in the field of artificial intelligence. The use of Nvidia’s cutting-edge chips underscores the intention for this data center to be built with the highest levels of performance and capability. The easing of U.S. restrictions also reflects a potential shift in Washington’s strategy regarding AI technology, particularly with key allies.
