UAE to Offer Free ChatGPT Plus Access to All Residents, Marking a Global First
▼ Summary
– OpenAI and the UAE government partnered on May 22, 2025, to provide free ChatGPT Plus access to all UAE residents under the “OpenAI for Countries” program.
– The initiative includes building “Stargate UAE,” the world’s largest AI data center outside the U.S., spanning 10 square miles with 5 gigawatts of computing power.
– Stargate UAE, developed with partners like G42 and Nvidia, will support AI services in healthcare, education, energy, and transportation, with its first phase launching in 2026.
– The UAE’s move aims to boost digital literacy and set a global precedent for AI democratization, with OpenAI planning similar partnerships in other countries.
– The project’s success could influence global AI integration into public services, drawing attention from policymakers and industry leaders worldwide.
On May 22, 2025, OpenAI and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government announced a strategic partnership to provide free access to ChatGPT Plus for all UAE residents. This initiative is part of the broader “OpenAI for Countries” program, aiming to tailor AI solutions to national needs and make advanced AI tools accessible to the general public.
The announcement was made through official channels, including a press release by OpenAI and coverage by reputable media outlets such as Axios.
Stargate UAE: A Major Infrastructure Project
Central to this initiative is the construction of “Stargate UAE,” a massive AI data center in Abu Dhabi. Developed in partnership with G42, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, and SoftBank, the facility is set to become the world’s largest AI data center outside the United States. The data center will span 10 square miles and is projected to deliver up to 5 gigawatts of AI computing power upon completion. The first phase, comprising a 200-megawatt cluster, is expected to be operational by 2026.
This infrastructure will support the deployment of advanced AI services across various sectors, including healthcare, education, energy, and transportation.
Implications for Global AI Accessibility
The UAE’s initiative marks a significant step toward making advanced AI tools accessible to the general public. By providing free access to ChatGPT Plus, the country is not only enhancing digital literacy among its residents but also setting a precedent for other nations to consider similar approaches to AI democratization.
OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Kwon, has indicated plans to explore similar partnerships in other countries, suggesting that the UAE could serve as a model for global AI accessibility efforts. (Axios)
As the Stargate UAE project progresses, it will be closely watched by policymakers, technologists, and industry leaders worldwide. The success of this initiative could influence how AI technologies are integrated into public services and daily life on a global scale.
Pictured in the image, from left to right:
- Marty Edelman, General Counsel of G42; HH Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC);
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister; - Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA;
- Sam Altman, Co-founder and CEO of OpenAI;
- Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group;
- HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates;
- Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer of Cisco;
- Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42;
- Mike Sicilia, EVP Global Industries of Oracle;
- HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Vice-Chairman of AIATC;
- HE Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala Investment Company and Member of the AIATC.
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