Abu Dhabi and Nvidia join forces to create Europe's largest AI campus

In a significant development in the technology sector, Abu Dhabi's technology investment fund MGX has partnered with the American chipmaker Nvidia to establish Europe's largest artificial intelligence data center close to Paris, France. This ambitious project emerged during the Choose France summit held in Versailles, where various stakeholders recognized the necessity of substantial investments in technology infrastructure to support the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The data center will boast a capacity of 1.4 gigawatts and is anticipated to become operational by the year 2028, signifying a notable long-term commitment to fostering advanced technology solutions. The collaboration also involves partnership with France-backed investment firm Bpifrance and the country's generative AI champion, Mistral AI. The proximity to Paris not only underscores the importance of this location for technological advancement but also reinforces the commitment of the UAE to bolster France's data infrastructure. With an investment price tag estimated at $9.6 billion, this AI campus illustrates a strategic decision by the UAE to explore and expand into key international markets, particularly in Europe, where the demand for AI technologies continues to escalate. This project is part of a larger trend of investment from the United Arab Emirates, which has pledged to inject up to €50 billion (approximately $56.4 billion) into French data centers. Such measures reflect the UAE's recognition of the growing significance of AI in the contemporary economy, aligning with global efforts to develop and harness data-driven technologies for various applications, including enterprise solutions and governmental efficiency. The UAE's active role in international collaborations highlights its aspiration to become a leader in the technology sector. Moreover, this initiative is in conjunction with Abu Dhabi's involvement in the Stargate initiative, a massive $100 billion project aimed at bolstering US data center infrastructure. It is clear that both MGX and Nvidia's AI campus in France and the Stargate initiative represent pivotal steps in the dialogue around cross-border investments in technology. The expected advances in AI technology infrastructure and innovation resulting from this collaboration will likely have profound implications for both regions, emphasizing the transformative power of strategic partnerships in the technology landscape.