France, UAE agree to develop 1GW AI data center

UAE and France Partner on $30–50 Billion AI Data Center Project

PARIS —On Thursday, the French presidency announced that the United Arab Emirates and France had reached a framework deal for a $30–50 billion artificial intelligence data centre.

President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates on Thursday evening ahead of an artificial intelligence meeting that will convene in Paris next week, bringing together over 100 countries to explore the potential of AI.

The goal of the February 10–11 meeting is also to place France and Europe on the map of artificial intelligence (AI) as they attempt to compete with China and the United States, who are leaders in the industry.

In a joint Franco-Emirati statement, the leaders stated their intention to establish a strategic relationship in the AI sector and their dedication to investigating joint ventures on investments and projects that promote the growth of the AI value chain.

They said the investments would be in both French and Emirati AI, and would include the creation of virtual data embassies to help build independent cloud and AI infrastructures in both countries, as well as cutting-edge chips, data centers and talent development.

The initial investments will be announced later this year, during the Choose France conference.

Earlier on Thursday, the French government said it had identified 35 locations for AI data centers.