G42’s Stargate UAE: Building the World’s Largest AI Data Centre Campus Outside the US
- Michael Ghobrial
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
G42, a leading AI and cloud computing company based in Abu Dhabi, has sealed a deal to build the first 200-megawatt phase of the Stargate UAE data centre, a facility set to become a game-changer for artificial intelligence across the region. When complete, this data centre will anchor a giant 1GW cluster at the heart of the new 5GW UAE–US AI Campus in Abu Dhabi. It’s a bold move, backed by global tech heavyweights, OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, SoftBank, and Cisco, that puts the UAE on the world map for AI compute power and digital innovation.
A Giant Leap for AI Infrastructure
The construction of the Stargate UAE data centre campus is significant not just for Abu Dhabi but for the entire world. Spanning an impressive 5 gigawatts (GW), this facility is designed to accommodate the growing demands of AI computation and data processing. The first phase of the project, which includes a state-of-the-art 200 megawatt (MW) facility, is slated to go live by 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the region's tech evolution.
This facility will combine power resources from various sources, including nuclear, solar, and natural gas, which is crucial for ensuring sustainability and reliability in energy supply. With the rise of AI technologies, the demand for powerful data centres capable of performing complex computations has skyrocketed. The Stargate UAE campus aims to address this need while promoting responsible energy consumption.
Collaboration with Tech Giants
The contributions of leading technology companies are vital to the success of the Stargate UAE project. The collaboration signifies a collective commitment to advancing AI capabilities. G42, alongside OpenAI’s innovations, will employ cutting-edge systems like NVIDIA's Grace Blackwell GB300, which is designed specifically for AI workloads. This partnership ensures that the data centre will leverage the latest technological advancements for efficient processing and analytics.
Additionally, Cisco's zero-trust security framework will play an integral role in protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of operations. The development of such a robust security infrastructure is essential for organizations that handle large volumes of confidential information. The partnership illustrates how collaborative efforts can effectively address the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Engineering Marvel: Construction and Design
The construction of the Stargate UAE campus is as impressive as the technology it will house. The project requires intricate engineering and architectural designs to accommodate its vast scope while maintaining operational efficiency. A significant focus is placed on sustainable building practices and resource management, making this project stand out.
Considerable effort has been put into designing the infrastructure to minimize its environmental impact. The integration of renewable energy sources, especially solar power, plays a crucial role in achieving these sustainability goals. The design will incorporate energy-efficient systems that reduce waste and promote a low-carbon footprint.
Moreover, the data centre will feature innovative cooling technologies that enhance performance while using less energy. Efficient cooling is critical for data centre operations, as excessive heat can affect system performance and longevity. By employing advanced engineering solutions, Stargate UAE aims to set new standards in data centre design.
Significance for the Middle East
The Stargate UAE campus is a monumental project for the Middle East, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global tech hub. The region has been striving to diversify its economy and enhance its digital infrastructure, and this facility will play a crucial role in those efforts.
The campus will foster innovation, attracting businesses, startups, and researchers looking to capitalize on advanced AI technologies. In doing so, it will create a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures talent, promotes knowledge transfer, and supports local businesses. This aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader vision of becoming a leader in technology and innovation within the region.
The project will also facilitate partnerships between local educational institutions and technology companies, further strengthening the talent pipeline in the Middle East. This is a unique opportunity for aspiring engineers, data scientists, and AI specialists to gain access to world-class resources and mentorship.
Project Overview
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE, part of a 10-square-mile Al campus
Phase 1 capacity: 200MW (of planned 1GW), 400,000 Nvidia chips, powering advanced Al workloads
Power mix: Nuclear, solar, and natural gas for high sustainability targets
Facilities: Hyperscale data halls, dedicated buildings for key technology partners, zero-trust security and governance
Delivery Partners & Key
Stakeholders
Client/Developer: G42, UAE
Tech partners: OpenAl, Oracle, Nvidia, SoftBank Group, Cisco
Lead engineering/consultant: Teams drawn from global data centre specialists (names not disclosed yet)
Government: UAE sovereign wealth fund, Ministry of Al & Digital Economy
Investors: UAE, US co-investment as part of cross-border digital infrastructure agreements
End users: UAE government, healthcare, finance, energy, commercial clients, and research institutions
Construction Details
Start date: September 2025
First phase delivery: By end of 2026
Buildings: High-performance compute clusters, liquid cooling systems, advanced networking (Quantum InfiniBand), strict energy efficiency
Security: Cisco implements zero-trust networking and Al monitoring
Integration: Oracle Cloud for commercial data, UAE sovereign Al for official workloads, Smart green campus design
Strategic Importance
This project delivers Middle East's largest-ever Al compute cluster, giving UAE an edge in global Al, healthcare, fintech, and advanced manufacturing.
Stargate UAE will support everything, from developing better medicines and personalised learning, to energy management and scientific research, while boosting digital sovereignty and sustainable building standards.
Construction Opportunities
• Fit-out, civil works, technical systems for high-density Al compute
• Mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) for liquid cooling, energy management
• Security infrastructure, cyber-defence systems
• Support buildings, power grid upgrades and renewables
• Project management for fast-paced, large-scale builds under international standards
Writer's Opinion
G42's Stargate build in Abu Dhabi is not your usual data centre, it's a leap into the future, backed by the biggest tech firms and fast-tracked to lead the Al revolution in the region. If you're in tech, construction, or engineering and want a seat where global digital infrastructure gets made, this is the project to watch.
UAE shows it's serious about building sustainable, high-security, and truly international infrastructure. For firms and specialist teams, now is the moment to get involved, these kinds of jobs are rare, and the lessons learned here will shape how digital and Al construction gets done everywhere.
