The US-UAE multi-billion dollar AI data campus deal is facing significant security hurdles due to concerns over the UAE's ties with China. The project, announced during President Donald Trump's visit to Abu Dhabi, involves tech giants like Nvidia, OpenAI, Cisco, and Oracle collaborating with Emirati firm G42 to build one of the world's largest data center hubs, known as Stargate UAE.
The US is worried that advanced AI chips, particularly Nvidia's Grace Blackwell GB300 systems, might be diverted or compromised due to the UAE's close relationships with China. To mitigate potential security risks, the US is considering a ban on Chinese technology and restricting Chinese nationals from working at the site.
The deal is far from finalized, with no clear timeline for completion due to ongoing negotiations over security measures. Both Republicans and Democrats are questioning the UAE's reliability as a tech partner, citing concerns over its ties with China and Russia. The project has become a diplomatic flashpoint, with the US seeking to balance its technological cooperation with the UAE while addressing national security concerns.
The lack of a clear export-control framework is adding to the uncertainty, and the US has yet to define security conditions for exporting advanced chips. As the negotiations continue, the fate of this massive project remains uncertain, with significant implications for the future of AI development and global technological cooperation.
