OpenAI may build data centers in the UAE

OpenAI is reportedly considering building data centers in the United Arab Emirates to greatly expand its Middle East footprint. A deal could be announced as soon as this week, according to Bloomberg.

As Bloomberg notes, OpenAI has a long relationship with the UAE. In 2023, the company partnered with Abu Dhabi’s AI firm G42, which last year received a $1.5 billion investment from OpenAI backer Microsoft. Meanwhile, an investment vehicle overseen by an Emirati royal family member, MGX, participated in a recent OpenAI funding round and plans to contribute to OpenAI’s Stargate AI infrastructure project.

OpenAI is seeking to more closely partner with governments seen as friendly to the U.S. Earlier this month, the company launched a program, OpenAI for Countries, saying it will enable it to build out the local infrastructure needed to better serve international AI customers and “spread democratic AI.”