The United Arab Emirates is rapidly positioning itself as a foremost innovator and investor hub in the Middle East, crafting a transformative economic strategy that leans heavily on diversification across five key sectors. Central to this vision is the UAE’s ambitious goal to establish itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence, clean energy, real estate, tourism, and financial services by 2035. This strategy is backed by robust international collaborations and multinational mega projects that attract unprecedented levels of global capital.
A landmark development within this innovation drive is the Stargate UAE project, which stands as the largest AI ecosystem initiative in the region. Launched in partnership with OpenAI, G42, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank, Stargate UAE involves the creation of a 1-gigawatt AI computing cluster in Abu Dhabi, with an initial 200 megawatts expected to become operational by 2026. This facility is part of the broader UAE–U.S. AI Campus, spanning 10 square miles with a total capacity of 5 gigawatts, and aims to be the largest AI infrastructure deployment outside the United States. This pioneering venture will empower various sectors within the UAE, including government, energy, healthcare, and education, by enabling nationwide access to advanced AI technologies like ChatGPT.
The UAE’s AI ambitions align tightly with its sustainability objectives. The country pioneered the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, becoming the first in its region to commit to such ambitious environmental targets. This initiative not only supports the fight against global climate change but has also stimulated massive capital investments in renewable energy projects such as the Al Dhafra solar power plant—the world’s largest single-site solar installation—and ventures into hydrogen production, carbon capture, and green mobility. These investments create fertile ground for new economic sectors and generate employment opportunities focused on sustainable technology, further augmenting the country’s role as a global sustainability and innovation hub.
Real estate also plays a critical role in the UAE’s economic expansion. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have emerged as hotspots for international investors, drawn by attractive yields and long-term capital appreciation prospects. Major infrastructural projects like the Dubai Creek Tower and Palm Jebel Ali exemplify the country’s futuristic urbanism approach, incorporating smart city technologies to create highly integrated and tech-enabled living environments. This strategic urban development not only enhances residential and commercial appeal but also strengthens the UAE’s status as a centre of innovation intersecting with lifestyle and technology.
Simultaneously, the tourism sector continues to thrive, driving the UAE’s service economy forward. With Dubai positioned among the world’s top five most-visited cities, the destination’s resilience amid global economic challenges is notable. The continuous addition of luxury resorts, cultural festivals, and large-scale events such as those associated with EXPO City and COP28 infrastructure fosters an extended visitor stay and increased spending, thus adding sustained economic value.
Finally, the UAE’s financial services sector is evolving rapidly, bolstered by centers like Abu Dhabi Global Market and Dubai International Financial Center. These hubs attract fintech firms and family offices by offering regulatory clarity, tax benefits, and a business-friendly environment underpinned by strong legal safeguards. Their geographic positioning and regulatory frameworks make the UAE an ideal gateway for expanding into broader Middle Eastern markets.
The confluence of these initiatives underscores a deliberate, multi-faceted approach to economic transformation that leverages innovation, environmental stewardship, and strategic investment to cement the UAE’s leadership in the region and beyond. The Stargate UAE project notably exemplifies this vision, demonstrating a powerful collaboration between the UAE and global technology leaders that not only aims to revolutionize AI capabilities but also intertwines with sustainable energy goals and economic diversification efforts.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://indiaobservers.com/uae-2035-economic-transformation-ai-energy-real-estate/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://openai.com/index/introducing-stargate-uae/ – OpenAI has announced the launch of Stargate UAE, marking the first international deployment of its AI infrastructure platform. This initiative, in partnership with G42, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank, aims to establish a 1-gigawatt AI computing cluster in Abu Dhabi, with 200 megawatts expected to go live in 2026. The project is part of OpenAI’s ‘OpenAI for Countries’ programme, designed to help governments build sovereign AI capabilities in coordination with the U.S. government. The UAE will become the first country to enable ChatGPT nationwide, providing its population with access to OpenAI’s technology across various sectors, including government, energy, healthcare, and education. The broader UAE–U.S. AI Campus will span 10 square miles and provide 5 gigawatts of data centre capacity, making it the largest AI infrastructure deployment outside the United States. The facility will be powered by a mix of nuclear, solar, and natural gas energy and will also host a science park to support innovation and talent development. This collaboration underscores the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2031 and diversifying its economy beyond oil. The project is expected to attract further global technology companies and talent to the region, creating a ripple effect of economic growth and innovation. The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy aligns with this initiative, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and positioning the country as a leader in sustainable energy solutions. The Stargate UAE project is a significant step in the UAE–U.S. AI partnership, building a bridge rooted in trust and ambition to bring AI’s benefits to economies and societies worldwide.
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/future/technology/2025/05/22/abu-dhabis-g42-teams-up-with-big-tech-companies-to-build-stargate-uae/ – Abu Dhabi’s G42 has partnered with technology giants OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank to establish Stargate UAE, a 1-gigawatt computing cluster operating within the newly established 5-gigawatt UAE–U.S. AI Campus. The project aims to accelerate the local development of artificial intelligence solutions and is a significant milestone in the UAE–U.S. AI partnership. The collaboration is expected to enable every UAE government agency and commercial institution to connect their data to the world’s most advanced AI models, marking a substantial advancement in the UAE’s AI capabilities. The initiative is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2031. The project is also expected to attract further global technology companies and talent to the region, contributing to economic growth and innovation. The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy aligns with this initiative, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and positioning the country as a leader in sustainable energy solutions. The Stargate UAE project is a significant step in the UAE–U.S. AI partnership, building a bridge rooted in trust and ambition to bring AI’s benefits to economies and societies worldwide.
- https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/22/stargate-uae-openai-nvidia-oracle.html – OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, and Cisco are collaborating to build Stargate UAE, a sweeping artificial intelligence campus in the United Arab Emirates. The project, announced during President Donald Trump’s Middle East tour, will include chips from NVIDIA, while Cisco Systems and SoftBank will provide connectivity infrastructure. The collaboration aims to build the AI infrastructure to power the country’s bold vision, empowering its people, growing its economy, and shaping its future. The Stargate UAE project is a significant step in the UAE–U.S. AI partnership, building a bridge rooted in trust and ambition to bring AI’s benefits to economies and societies worldwide.
- https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/environment-and-energy/the-uae-net-zero-2050-strategy – The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative is a national drive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, making the Emirates the first Middle East and North Africa (MENA) nation to do so. The initiative aligns with the Paris Agreement, which calls on countries to prepare long-term strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy is a significant step in the UAE–U.S. AI partnership, building a bridge rooted in trust and ambition to bring AI’s benefits to economies and societies worldwide.
- https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/stargate-uae-ai-datacenter-begin-operation-2026-2025-05-22/ – The ‘Stargate UAE’ artificial intelligence (AI) data center project is set to begin operations in Abu Dhabi in 2026, starting with the deployment of 200 megawatts of capacity. This initiative is part of a broader plan to create the world’s largest AI data center complex outside the United States, spanning 10 square miles and ultimately reaching 5 gigawatts of capacity. The first phase, dubbed Stargate UAE, is spearheaded by UAE-based firm G42 in collaboration with U.S. tech giants including OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, and Cisco, along with Japan’s SoftBank. The facility will incorporate NVIDIA’s most advanced Grace Blackwell GB300 AI servers, with an estimated 100,000 chips powering about 1,400 servers. Facilitated by a recent agreement led by U.S. President Donald Trump, the project proceeds following the rescission of previous export controls on AI chips to the UAE. The platform aims to connect UAE government and commercial sectors to cutting-edge AI capabilities. The Stargate UAE project is a significant step in the UAE–U.S. AI partnership, building a bridge rooted in trust and ambition to bring AI’s benefits to economies and societies worldwide.
- https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/stargate-uae-ai-datacenter-begin-operation-2026-2025-05-22/ – The ‘Stargate UAE’ artificial intelligence (AI) data center project is set to begin operations in Abu Dhabi in 2026, starting with the deployment of 200 megawatts of capacity. This initiative is part of a broader plan to create the world’s largest AI data center complex outside the United States, spanning 10 square miles and ultimately reaching 5 gigawatts of capacity. The first phase, dubbed Stargate UAE, is spearheaded by UAE-based firm G42 in collaboration with U.S. tech giants including OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, and Cisco, along with Japan’s SoftBank. The facility will incorporate NVIDIA’s most advanced Grace Blackwell GB300 AI servers, with an estimated 100,000 chips powering about 1,400 servers. Facilitated by a recent agreement led by U.S. President Donald Trump, the project proceeds following the rescission of previous export controls on AI chips to the UAE. The platform aims to connect UAE government and commercial sectors to cutting-edge AI capabilities. The Stargate UAE project is a significant step in the UAE–U.S. AI partnership, building a bridge rooted in trust and ambition to bring AI’s benefits to economies and societies worldwide.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent developments, notably the Stargate UAE project announced in May 2025. However, similar information has been reported by multiple outlets, including the Financial Times and Reuters, indicating that the content may be recycled. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/509e1b95-9fe9-4402-b97a-7c2c9ba9a2f6?utm_source=openai), [reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/uae-us-agree-path-abu-dhabi-buy-most-advanced-ai-chips-trump-says-2025-05-16/?utm_source=openai)) The presence of a press release from OpenAI dated May 22, 2025, suggests that the narrative is based on this source, which typically warrants a high freshness score. ([openai.com](https://openai.com/index/introducing-stargate-uae/?utm_source=openai)) Discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes between the narrative and earlier reports have not been identified. The inclusion of updated data alongside older material may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
Direct quotes from the narrative have not been identified in the provided sources. The absence of online matches for these quotes suggests they may be original or exclusive content. However, without specific examples, this assessment remains tentative.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from India Observers, a source that is not widely recognised. This raises questions about its credibility and the accuracy of the information presented. The reliance on a press release from OpenAI, a reputable organisation, adds some strength to the source’s reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims regarding the UAE’s economic transformation and the Stargate UAE project are plausible and align with recent developments. The UAE’s commitment to AI and sustainable energy is well-documented, and the involvement of major tech companies in the Stargate UAE project supports the narrative’s credibility. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate communications, and the structure is focused on the main claim without excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents plausible and timely information, particularly regarding the Stargate UAE project. However, the reliance on a press release and the origin from a less reputable source raise concerns about the content’s originality and potential for disinformation. The absence of direct quotes and the presence of updated data alongside older material further complicate the assessment.
