OpenAI and G42 to Build 5-Gigawatt AI Data Center in Abu Dhabi

OpenAI is set to play a central role in the creation of a massive AI-focused data center campus in Abu Dhabi, which is expected to span 10 square miles and consume 5 gigawatts of power—equivalent to five nuclear reactors. This initiative is part of the broader ‘Stargate’ project, a global infrastructure partnership announced in January 2025 involving OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle. The Abu Dhabi facility will significantly outsize OpenAI’s first Stargate project in Abilene, Texas, which is projected to reach 1.2 gigawatts.

The project is being developed in collaboration with G42, a prominent UAE-based tech conglomerate chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. OpenAI’s engagement in the UAE builds on a 2023 partnership with G42 and reflects deeper ties between the U.S. and the UAE in the AI sector. However, this alliance has raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers due to G42’s historical connections with Chinese companies and figures.

In response to political pressure, G42 announced in early 2024 that it had divested from all China-related investments. This move was followed by Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in G42, signaling strong Western tech interest in the region. The Abu Dhabi data center is set to become a cornerstone in the global expansion of AI infrastructure.