UAE restructures AI data center project after Iranian threats

The United Arab Emirates is adjusting its ambitious AI data center project following threats from Iran and regional attacks. The nation's 5-gigawatt initiative, touted as one of the largest outside the United States, is being restructured to bolster security and disperse facilities across the country rather than concentrating them in Abu Dhabi.

Six sources close to the situation revealed to Reuters that authorities are reevaluating both the location and construction of this vital infrastructure. The originally planned 26-square-kilometer site will now incorporate advanced security features, including air defenses and underground installations, to shield against drone and missile assaults.

G42, the firm spearheading the project, is collaborating with American tech giants like Nvidia, Oracle, and Cisco. This endeavor is a key component of the UAE's strategy to establish itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence. The project, initially announced with a $30 billion investment and a projected initial capacity of 1 gigawatt, began construction last year.

The first phase, codenamed Stargate Emirates, is anticipated to deliver its first 200 megawatts of power this year. The security overhaul comes in the wake of recent Iranian attacks on technology infrastructure in the region, including a March incident where Iranian forces targeted technology sites in the UAE and Bahrain, and a video released by Iran warning of potential threats to the Stargate project, specifically targeting its proximity to Al Dhafra Air Base, home to US forces.

The modifications encompass the integration of air defense systems, drone and missile interception capabilities, blast-resistant construction materials, and underground or mountain-based facility designs, particularly for sensitive military applications. While the first phase remains under construction with enhanced security, the remainder of the project will be dispersed across various geographic locations to enhance overall resilience and operational preparedness.