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.