n a landmark agreement, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and France have committed to developing a 1-gigawatt data center dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI), with investments ranging between €30 billion and €50 billion. The accord was formalized during a meeting in Paris between French President Emmanuel Macron and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This initiative aims to bolster the AI value chain through collaborative projects, including the acquisition of advanced chips, establishment of data centers, talent development, and the creation of virtual data embassies to support sovereign AI and cloud infrastructures in both nations. The planned AI campus is expected to have a computing capacity of up to one gigawatt, aligning the project with some of the data centers built by hyperscalers like Google or Microsoft.
Further details are anticipated to be unveiled at the upcoming Choose France summit later this year. The French government has already designated 35 new sites across the country to accommodate AI data centers, which require massive storage and high computing power. Given the energy-intensive nature of AI, these data centers will be crucial in ensuring Europe’s competitiveness in AI technology.
This collaboration underscores the deepening ties between the UAE and France, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing technological innovation and establishing a robust AI infrastructure. By pooling resources and expertise, both nations aim to position themselves at the forefront of the global AI landscape, fostering economic growth and technological advancement.