Residents across the United Arab Emirates are set to receive complimentary access to ChatGPT Plus, the premium tier of OpenAI's popular AI chatbot. This significant development is a key component of a major partnership between OpenAI and the UAE government, underscoring the nation's ambitious strategy to establish itself as a prominent global hub for artificial intelligence.

Central to this initiative is the Stargate UAE project, which involves the construction of a state-of-the-art, high-powered AI data centre in Abu Dhabi. This facility is planned to house a formidable one-gigawatt AI computing cluster, positioning it among the most powerful in the world. The initial phase, delivering approximately 200 megawatts of computing power, is anticipated to be operational by the following year, with some reports indicating a go-live date in 2026 for this first stage.

This collaboration is part of OpenAI's broader "OpenAI for Countries" program. This initiative is designed to assist nations in developing their own AI infrastructure and tools while fostering close alignment with the United States. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described this as a "bold vision," aimed at extending the multifaceted benefits of AI—such as advancements in healthcare, modernized education systems, and cleaner energy solutions—to a wider global population. A core aspect of this program is to ensure AI systems are tailored to local needs, including functioning in local languages, adhering to national regulations, and safeguarding user data.

The UAE's ambitious AI venture is supported by a consortium of global technology leaders, including Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, SoftBank, and G42, a prominent AI company based in the Middle East with backing from Microsoft. This partnership also entails a significant financial commitment from the UAE, which has pledged to invest as much in AI projects in the United States as it does domestically. According to reports from Axios, this dual investment could reach a total of $20 billion, representing one of the largest AI funding commitments of its kind. OpenAI stated, "The new partnership includes dual investments: A 1GW Stargate UAE cluster in Abu Dhabi with 200MW expected to go live in 2026 UAE investment into U.S. Stargate infrastructure, building on the U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership announced during President Trump’s visit last week."

For individuals living in the UAE, this initiative translates into full, free access to OpenAI’s most advanced AI tools. This includes benefits such as faster response times, priority access to new features, and enhanced AI capabilities, all without the standard $20 monthly subscription fee. This move signifies a major step towards democratizing cutting-edge AI, making these powerful tools more accessible for everyday applications by millions, from writing and studying to coding and planning.

Looking forward, the UAE partnership is positioned as a foundational step in OpenAI's global strategy. OpenAI's Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Kwon, is expected to engage with countries across the Asia Pacific region to explore similar collaborative opportunities. The company has indicated that the UAE project is just the beginning, with hopes to empower more nations to establish their own AI ecosystems, specifically tailored to their unique local requirements and contexts.