In a groundbreaking partnership that reflects the UAE’s forward-thinking approach to technology, residents across the Emirates will soon gain direct, nationwide access to ChatGPT—the popular AI tool developed by OpenAI. This marks the first time any country has received such comprehensive integration, where access to conversational AI becomes part of everyday digital life.
The announcement came alongside the unveiling of “Stargate UAE,” a flagship project under the new “OpenAI for Countries” initiative. The program is designed to help nations scale AI infrastructure and capabilities at a national level.
Data Powerhouse in the Making
As part of the initiative, a state-of-the-art data center will be built in Abu Dhabi, with a projected total capacity of 1 gigawatt. The first operational phase, delivering 200 megawatts, is expected to go live in 2026. The facility will serve as the technical backbone of the project, supporting both public and private AI applications throughout the country.
OpenAI confirmed that the partnership aims to make advanced AI tools more accessible to everyone in the UAE, from students and developers to businesses and public institutions. The move reflects the country’s ambition to embed AI into daily life—enhancing communication, learning, and innovation on a wide scale.
What Can Users Expect?
While OpenAI has not explicitly stated whether the premium version, ChatGPT Plus, will be included free of charge, the language used in their official release strongly hints at a broader-than-usual rollout. If confirmed, this could mean enhanced features and priority access becoming available to UAE residents at no additional cost.
Innovation as a National Strategy
The UAE’s collaboration with OpenAI adds yet another milestone to its growing portfolio of digital transformation projects. Known for its bold investments in clean energy, space exploration, and smart governance, the country continues to position itself as a global leader in next-generation technology.
Rather than simply adapting to global AI trends, the UAE is helping to define them—turning visionary ideas into nationwide infrastructure that benefits its people directly.
