The bigger play? A massive AI infrastructure push. The UAE is set to become home to Stargate UAE, a high-powered AI data centre being built in Abu Dhabi. The plan includes developing a one-gigawatt AI computing cluster—one of the most powerful in the world. The first phase, delivering around 200 megawatts, is expected to be up and running by next year.
This partnership signals serious intent: while the UAE ramps up its ambitions to be a global AI hub, OpenAI gains a strategic base to scale its computing capabilities. And for residents? Free access to ChatGPT Plus just made the UAE a lot more plugged-in.
According to Axios, Stargate UAE is part of OpenAI’s new “OpenAI for Countries” initiative—a program designed to help nations build their own AI infrastructure and tools, while staying closely aligned with the United States. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described it as “a bold vision,” aiming to extend the benefits of AI—like smarter healthcare, modern education, and cleaner energy—to more parts of the world.
This isn’t a solo mission. The UAE partnership ropes in major global tech players like Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, SoftBank, and G42—a leading AI company based in the Middle East and backed by Microsoft. The goal? To position the UAE as a key player in the global AI race and a central hub for innovation in the region.
For OpenAI, it’s about scale and strategic alliances. For the UAE, it’s a fast-track into the AI big leagues—with free ChatGPT Plus access as just the beginning.
One of the most striking parts of this partnership? Everyone living in the UAE will get free access to ChatGPT Plus. That means full access to OpenAI’s most advanced AI tools—no subscription needed.
Millions already use ChatGPT Plus to write, study, code, plan trips, draft emails, and more. Now, people in the UAE will be able to tap into those tools without paying a dirham. It’s a big step toward making cutting-edge AI more accessible, not just for techies, but for everyday use.
But this project isn’t just about building massive data centres. The bigger idea is to bring AI closer to people—by making it work in local languages, respecting national rules, and protecting user data. Through its OpenAI for Countries initiative, OpenAI wants to help governments build AI that’s actually useful for their citizens, not just a generic one-size-fits-all solution.
As part of the deal, the UAE has also committed to invest as much in AI projects in the United States as it does at home. According to Axios, that could mean up to $20 billion in total investment, split between the Gulf and the US—one of the largest AI funding commitments of its kind.
Looking ahead, OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon is expected to visit countries across the Asia Pacific region to explore similar partnerships. OpenAI says the UAE is just the start—it hopes to help more countries set up their own AI ecosystems, tailored to local needs.