A 1 GW Artificial Intelligence (AI) data center complex is being developed as part of an ambitious collaboration between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and France.

As part of a larger cooperative framework agreement between the two countries, the project is expected to receive investments of €50 billion ($54 billion). Shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan met last week, the statement on this AI and digital infrastructure partnership was made.

In an official statement, the French government provided insight into the events of the conference, stating that a historic agreement for collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence was struck between France and the United Arab Emirates. An investment proposal for the establishment of a 1 GW AI campus in France is part of this framework agreement.

It also disclosed that both presidents had stated their intention to form a strategic alliance in the field of artificial intelligence and to create initiatives and financial commitments that facilitate the growth of the AI value chain. These included investments in French and Emirati AI, the procurement of state-of-the-art chips, data centers, and talent development.

The president of the United Arab Emirates wrote on LinkedIn that he, along with his friend President Emmanuel Macron, had the pleasure of meeting in Paris for discussions that strengthened the long-standing strategic ties between France and the United Arab Emirates, particularly in important areas like the economy, advanced technology, energy, sustainability, and culture. Together, they observed the signing of the UAE-France Framework for AI Cooperation and shared opinions on many regional and global issues, he continued.