France, UAE Announce Partnership for 1-Gigawatt AI Data Centre

In a significant stride toward global AI dominance, France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced a landmark partnership to develop a 1-gigawatt AI data centre.

This project, estimated to cost between $30 and $50 billion, was unveiled following high-level discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

The agreement marks a strategic collaboration between the two nations, focusing on AI development, advanced infrastructure, talent cultivation, and the creation of virtual data embassies. With 35 potential sites already identified in France to host AI data centres, both countries are laying the groundwork for a robust AI ecosystem.

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Beyond infrastructure, the deal aims to establish sovereign AI and cloud infrastructures, ensuring both nations remain at the forefront of AI advancements. Additionally, it aligns with a previous memorandum of understanding signed in May 2024 between the Abu Dhabi Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC) and the French Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty. That agreement focused on supercomputing, semiconductor production, AI startups, and talent development.

The full extent of initial investments and further details on the project are expected to be revealed at the upcoming Choose France summit. As France and the UAE strengthen their technological alliance, this partnership sets the stage for a transformative AI-driven future.