UAE-US ties: Phase 1 of new 5GW AI campus launches in Abu Dhabi

The UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US President Donald Trump witnessed the launch of the new UAE-US 5GW AI campus in Abu Dhabi, the largest such facility outside the US, as part of a deepening technology partnership between the two countries.

According to a report published by state news agency, WAM, the campus will host US hyperscalers and large enterprises with regional compute resources targeting nearly half the global population.

The facility will provide 5GW of capacity for AI data centres powered by nuclear, solar, and gas sources to reduce carbon emissions. It will also feature a science park dedicated to AI innovation.

G42 to build AI campus

The campus will be built by UAE-based G42 and operated in partnership with several US companies. It follows the launch of the US-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership, a government-led initiative aimed at expanding cooperation in AI and advanced technologies.

“This campus is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between our countries in artificial intelligence,” said Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC). “It is an expression of the UAE’s commitment to pioneering innovation and fostering global collaboration… delivering transformative benefits for humanity,” he added.

AI campus to offer access to US hyperscalers, approved cloud service firms

The facility will be accessible exclusively to US hyperscalers and approved cloud service providers, with both governments jointly overseeing access and regulation of compute resources.

According to the WAM report, US Secretary of Commerce Howard W Lutnick called the announcement “a historic Middle Eastern partnership on AI” and said it would spur major investments in semiconductors and data centres across both countries. “American companies will operate the data centres and offer American-managed cloud services throughout the region,” Lutnick said. “This agreement is a major milestone in achieving President Trump’s vision for US AI dominance.”

The UAE has taken an early lead in AI development. In 2017, it became the first country to appoint a federal Minister of Artificial Intelligence, and later launched the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the world’s first graduate-level AI university.

The UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, also launched in 2017, aims to integrate AI into key sectors such as education, healthcare, transport, and energy.

A good step towards AI readiness

Commending the move, Jad Haddad, Oliver Wyman’s Global head of Quotient – AI, said “This announcement signals a pivotal shift in the global AI infrastructure landscape, placing the UAE at the heart of a new transnational tech corridor. The scale and ambition of this data centre project reflect the UAE’s serious intent to lead in AI, not just adopt it.

“With 5GW of capacity, these facilities could support next-generation AI models, sovereign cloud services, and regional innovation at scale. It also opens doors for deeper strategic collaboration between US tech leaders and Gulf economies at a critical time for global digital transformation.”

“This announcement represents far more than a technology investment – it’s a signal to UAE organisations that AI readiness must become a national priority. As AI infrastructure scales, companies will need to focus on workforce transformation, ensuring employees are equipped to work with and alongside intelligent systems. Building an AI-literate workforce will be key to unlocking long-term value, fostering innovation, and ensuring the region doesn’t just consume AI but helps shape its global trajectory. It’s a moment to lead, not just adapt,” added Lisa Lyons, lead – Regional Transformation Centre of Excellence, Mercer IMEA.

Read: UAE schools to introduce AI curriculum from kindergarten-grade 12