A massive deal between the US and UAE to build an AI campus worth billions of dollars is facing significant security hurdles due to concerns over the UAE's ties with China. The project, which involves tech giants like Nvidia, OpenAI, Cisco, and Oracle collaborating with Emirati firm G42, aims to create one of the world's largest data center hubs, known as Stargate UAE.
The US is worried about exporting advanced technology to the UAE due to concerns about potential leakage to adversaries, including China. The UAE's close relationship with China has raised concerns among US officials, who question the Gulf state's reliability as a strategic partner. As a result, the US wants stricter security measures to ensure that advanced Nvidia AI chips and other US technology are not diverted to unauthorized parties.
Despite the challenges, the US administration remains committed to concluding the deal, with Abu Dhabi pledging to align its national security regulations with Washington's requirements. The project is expected to go online in 2026, with an estimated 100,000 advanced Nvidia chips powering the 1-gigawatt facility. However, the lack of a clear timeline for finalizing the deal and potential amendments to the agreement may further delay its completion.
The deal's outcome will likely have significant implications for the future of AI development and the complex geopolitics surrounding advanced technology exports.
