U.S. and UAE Announce Strategic Partnership for World-Class AI Data Center Campus
In a major development in global technology collaboration, the United States and the United Arab Emirates have announced a partnership to build one of the world’s largest artificial intelligence (AI) data center campuses. Touted as the largest such facility outside the U.S., the AI-focused campus will be constructed in Abu Dhabi and spearheaded by UAE-based technology firm G42.
According to a joint announcement by the White House and the U.S. Department of Commerce on Thursday, the facility will boast a 5-gigawatt capacity and span 10 square miles, underscoring the scale and ambition of the initiative. The partnership aims to support regional cloud infrastructure and AI innovation, while reinforcing global data security and responsible technology deployment.
G42, known for its advanced AI research and enterprise solutions, will collaborate with several undisclosed U.S. technology firms to develop and operate the facility. The first phase of the project includes the construction of a 1-gigawatt AI data center, with plans for phased expansion.
Notably, high-profile tech leaders — including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Cisco President Jeetu Patel — were all present in the UAE during former President Donald Trump’s visit, which coincided with the announcement. The visit also included diplomatic engagements and the unveiling of several commercial agreements.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik emphasized that the agreement contains strong safeguards to protect U.S. technology and ensure it is not diverted or misused. “In the UAE, American companies will operate the data centers and offer American-managed cloud services throughout the region,” Lutnik stated, highlighting the U.S. role in maintaining operational control and cybersecurity oversight.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who joined Trump at the unveiling, hailed the partnership as a transformative step for the region. “This initiative strengthens the UAE’s position as a hub for cutting-edge research, AI leadership, and sustainable development,” he said.
The collaboration aligns with both nations’ ambitions to lead in AI development and digital transformation. It also signals growing U.S.-UAE cooperation in high-tech sectors amid increasing global competition in AI infrastructure..
