Abu Dhabi: The New AI Campus Hub

The Largest AI Campus Outside USA in Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates has reached another milestone in the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI): it has been announced that the largest AI campus outside the USA will be built in Abu Dhabi. The project is a collaboration with the United States and aims to play a leading role in AI-based infrastructure and services in the region.

5 Gigawatt Capacity to Serve the Global South

The campus will span 25.9 square kilometers and include a data center with a total capacity of 5 gigawatts. This capacity allows the largest American tech companies to offer fast and secure services to nearly half of the world's population. The center will be operated by American companies, and the infrastructure will be developed by Abu Dhabi's state-backed enterprise, G42.

Sustainability and Science Park

The AI campus aims to set an example not just with its size, but also with sustainable operations. It will use nuclear, solar, and natural gas energy to minimize its environmental footprint. The facility will also feature a science and technology park dedicated to AI innovation and research and development, fostering international collaborations.

Historic AI Partnership with the USA

The campus is a result of the deepening technological relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the United States. The two countries previously announced a framework called the AI Acceleration Partnership to jointly develop AI and other advanced technologies. This current investment is a practical extension of that commitment, expressing the two nations' dedication to innovation and global technological dominance.

UAE's Vision in Artificial Intelligence

The UAE has been a leader in AI applications for years. In 2017, it appointed the world's first federal minister for AI affairs and launched the UAE AI Strategy that same year, integrating the technology into key sectors like education, healthcare, transportation, and energy.

In 2019, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, focused entirely on AI research and education, was established. By 2025, AI will be part of the curriculum in public schools at every level from kindergarten to 12th grade, preparing future generations technologically from a young age.

Strategic Aim to Become the AI Hub of the World

The new Abu Dhabi AI campus further strengthens the country's position on the global technological map. By extending the American tech stack – the American technological ecosystem – regionally, the UAE will not only embrace but also shape the future of AI. The project will create new jobs, accelerate digital transformation, and promote economic diversification, all part of a long-term strategy based on sustainable and innovation-driven development.

(Based on data from Reuters)