OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, is partnering with the United Arab Emirates to build one of the world’s most powerful AI computing complexes. This collaboration follows a broader agreement between the Gulf nation and the former Trump administration, as part of OpenAI’s global outreach initiative. A new project named Stargate UAE will be built with the help of big American tech companies and local Emirati businesses. It will become an important part of OpenAI’s expanding global network for artificial intelligence infrastructure.
However, the news about the UAE partnering with OpenAI has triggered confusion and curiosity on the internet. Many news outlets reported that, as part of the deal, everyone living in the UAE would get free access to ChatGPT Plus, the paid version of the popular AI tool. Is this accurate, or are people jumping the gun by assuming a free ChatGPT subscription? Here is the fact..
About The Deal
According to a statement by OpenAI, the new partnership includes the creation of a Stargate UAE data center in Abu Dhabi, which is expected to become operational in 2026. As part of the deal, the UAE will also invest in Stargate infrastructure projects in the United States. The facility will be developed as a joint venture involving major tech companies such as Oracle, Nvidia, SoftBank, Cisco, and G42, an artificial intelligence firm based in the UAE. This will be the first of several data centers planned for the complex next year. This one gigawatt centre will be part of the larger 5 gigawatt Abu Dhabi data center announced by President Trump and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed during the former’s visit last week.
great to work with the UAE on our first international stargate! appreciate the governments working together to make this happen.
---Advertisement---sheikh tahnoon has been a great supporter of openai, a true believer in AGI, and a dear personal friend.
— Sam Altman (@sama) May 23, 2025
OpenAI also mentioned that UAE will use it’s tools across the government, energy, healthcare, education, and transportation sectors to help accelerate innovation and economic growth. The statements added that UAE will become the first country in the world to enable ChatGPT nationwide by allowing people across the country to access OpenAI’s technology.
According to a report by Axios, the new investment from the United Arab Emirates through the Emirati tech firm G42 could total around $20 billion. Of this amount, approximately $8 billion is expected to be spent in the Gulf region, while $10 billion will be directed toward projects in the United States. The deal has also received approval from the U.S. government.
And Now..Will ChatGPT Be Free In UAE?
No, as of now, ChatGPT Plus is not free in the UAE. While OpenAI’s official announcement mentions nationwide access to ChatGPT, it does not state that every UAE resident will receive a free personal subscription. Currently, ChatGPT’s free version (GPT-3.5) is accessible in the UAE, while ChatGPT Plus still costs $20/month.
“Starting next week, OpenAI Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon will kick off an OpenAI for Countries roadshow across Asia Pacific, meeting with governments and potential private-sector partners to discuss opportunities to build out infrastructure and deliver AI services to people in their communities,” the AI company said.
