UAE reconsiders 5GW AI campus as distributed data-centre network

The UAE is reconsidering the design of its planned 5-gigawatt artificial-intelligence campus, with the programme now expected to comprise a network of data centres distributed across several locations rather than one large development in Abu Dhabi.

The original concept envisaged a 26-square-kilometre campus containing a series of large-scale computing facilities. The revised approach is intended to improve the resilience of the UAE’s critical digital infrastructure, although the new masterplan has not yet been finalised.

The programme is being led by Abu Dhabi artificial-intelligence company G42 and forms part of the UAE-US technology partnership. American technology companies expected to participate in the wider initiative include OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank.

Construction previously began on the first phase, known as Stargate UAE. This phase comprises a planned 1GW computing cluster with an estimated investment of $30 billion, of which an initial 200MW had been scheduled to become operational during 2026.

The redesign could generate additional consultancy, engineering, power, cooling, security, underground-construction and specialist data-centre packages. Distributing the programme across several locations may also require new grid connections, fibre networks and supporting infrastructure at each site.

The revised locations, procurement structure, capital cost and construction timetable have not been disclosed. Companies should monitor G42, government and project-partner announcements for confirmation of the new masterplan and the release of individual packages. The information was reported by Reuters from officials, diplomats and industry sources; an official revised programme has not yet been announced.

Sources: Reuters.