South Korea joins Stargate UAE project for 1-GW AI cluster

ABU DHABI, November 19, 2025 – South Korea has agreed to join the US-backed Stargate UAE project to build the world’s largest AI data centre complex outside the US, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

The project was launched in May 2025 and is being led by UAE state-backed firm G42 in partnership with US companies OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia and Cisco Systems, as well as Japan’s Softbank Group. South Korea will contribute computing power and energy infrastructure, including a power grid using nuclear, gas and renewable sources.

Korean chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix signed initial agreements in October 2025 to supply memory chips for Stargate data centres.

Stargate UAE will comprise a 1-GW data cluster in Abu Dhabi, to be built by G42 and operated by OpenAI and Oracle, with the first 200-MW cluster expected to become operational in 2026. The initiative is an extension of OpenAI’s Stargate Project, launched in January 2025 to invest up to USD 500 million by 2029 in AI infrastructure for OpenAI in the US.

As part of the Stargate UAE project, the UAE has made investment commitments to support the development of Stargate infrastructure in the US.

South Korea’s participation follows a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which also brought the signing of a framework agreement for collaboration in AI investments, supply chains and R&D.

Read more about the UAE’s investments to become a global hub for AI innovation here.

Photo courtesy of G42

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