UAE’s Stargate AI Gets South Korea Backing for Expansion

UAE’s Stargate AI strengthens global ambitions as South Korea joins the project, boosting AI power, energy infrastructure, and strategic cooperation.

South Korea is officially joining forces with the United Arab Emirates on the US-backed UAE’s Stargate AI data centre project, marking one of the most significant global collaborations in AI infrastructure outside the United States. 

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Following a summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Seoul confirmed it will help build advanced computing power and energy systems to support what will become the world’s largest cluster of AI data centres beyond US borders. 

South Korea—home to chip giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix—is positioning itself as a rising AI hub. President Lee, who assumed office on June 4, has made heavy AI investment a national priority in response to a shifting global economy marked by US tariff pressures and supply-chain uncertainties. 

Both Samsung and SK Hynix had already signed preliminary agreements in October to supply memory chips for OpenAI’s Stargate facilities, deepening their role in the multibillion-dollar project. 

According to Ha Jung-woo, South Korea’s presidential secretary on AI, the country will also contribute to a new hybrid power grid for the UAE’s Stargate AI, combining nuclear power, natural gas, and renewable energy sources. 

A broader strategic framework signed by both nations will expand cooperation across AI infrastructure, supply chains, investment, and research and development—solidifying a long-term technology partnership. 

UAE’s Stargate AI is part of a larger deal brokered by President Trump, representing a shift even amid prior US hesitations about sharing advanced tech with the UAE due to its ties with China. 

The first buildout will be the 1 GW Stargate project, developed by the UAE’s state-backed firm G42 in collaboration with OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco Systems, and Japan’s SoftBank Group.