The United States and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to collaborate on the development of a massive data center complex in Abu Dhabi, aiming to strengthen artificial intelligence capabilities with a planned capacity of 5 gigawatts — enough energy to supply a large metropolitan area.

This initiative, unveiled Thursday during President Donald Trump’s visit to the UAE, is set to become the largest data center operation outside U.S. territory, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. The project will commence with a 1-gigawatt AI-focused facility and eventually grow to cover an area of 10 square miles.

The endeavor is anticipated to boost the role of American AI and cloud service providers in the Middle East, enhancing their ability to support markets across the global south.

While the Department of Commerce did not specify which firms are involved, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was reportedly seen during one of Trump’s meetings in the UAE. A spokesperson from Nvidia declined to provide any comment.

President Trump has been actively promoting investments in artificial intelligence, viewing technological leadership as essential for maintaining the United States’ global influence.

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“This agreement represents a significant step forward in advancing President Trump’s vision for American leadership in AI by bringing top-tier U.S. technology to a valued regional ally,” said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a public statement.

The UAE has also expressed its ambition to establish itself as a world leader in artificial intelligence by the year 2031.

Prior to Trump’s arrival, UAE Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri emphasized the country's efforts to diversify its economy, particularly by investing in AI and emerging technologies. These developments are seen as pivotal for preparing the region for a post-oil era.

Additionally, the White House announced Thursday a reciprocal agreement in which the UAE has pledged to develop or invest in data center infrastructure in the U.S. that matches or exceeds the scale and performance of those planned for the UAE.