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France and UAE - AI partnership - 1 gigawatt AI data center

Introduction

France and the UAE have forged a strategic partnership to become global leaders in artificial intelligence (AI), combining investments, infrastructure, and talent development. This collaboration spans semiconductor production, data centers, and AI applications across key sectors, positioning both nations to compete with the U.S. and China in advanced technologies. Here’s a breakdown of the partnership’s key components:

Core Collaboration Areas

Infrastructure and Semiconductor Production

The partnership focuses on building AI infrastructure, including quantum computers, cloud systems, and data centers. A landmark project announced in February 2025 involves a 1 gigawatt AI data center in France, backed by up to €50 billion in UAE investments.

The UAE’s Mubadala and France’s STMicroelectronics are jointly developing a 300mm semiconductor plant near Grenoble, aiming to reduce reliance on Asian suppliers and support the EU’s goal of producing 30% of global semiconductors by 2030.

Sector-Specific AI Applications

Joint ventures target AI deployment in healthcare, finance, retail, and climate action. Let’s review.

Healthcare

AI-driven drug discovery and personalized medicine.

Energy

Decarbonization projects, including a UAE-France climate investment platform for clean energy.

Defense

Indirect synergies via trilateral exercises with India, hinting at future tech-driven security collaborations.

Talent and Research

The Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi serves as a hub for AI research and training.

Abu Dhabi’s Digital Strategy 2025–2027 aims to train citizens in AI and automate 100% of government services, supported by a Dh13 billion ($3.5 billion) investment.

Strategic Drivers

France’s Ambitions

Seeks to rival the U.S. and China in AI, leveraging UAE funding and tech hubs like Grenoble’s semiconductor cluster.

Microsoft’s parallel €4 billion investment in French cloud/AI infrastructure complements this push.

UAE’s Vision

Aims to pivot from oil dependency to becoming a global AI hub, with Abu Dhabi targeting “the world’s first AI-native government” by 2027. Partnerships with U.S. firms like Microsoft (via G42) and involvement in projects like Stargate (a $500 billion U.S. AI initiative with UAE’s MGX fund) reinforce this shift.

Broader Implications

Geopolitical Alignment

The UAE’s reduced reliance on Chinese tech amid U.S. tensions aligns with France’s push for “digital sovereignty”.

Economic Impact

The partnership is projected to add €24 billion ($26 billion) to Abu Dhabi’s economy by 2027 and create 5,000 jobs. Bilateral trade between France and the UAE, already at €7.6 billion in 2023, is expected to grow.

Conclusion

This Franco-Emirati alliance reflects a convergence of strategic interests: France gains a deep-pocketed partner to scale AI infrastructure, while the UAE accelerates its transition into a tech-driven economy. With ongoing investments in semiconductors, data centers, and cross-border research, the partnership is poised to reshape global AI dynamics.

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