?Geopolitical Briefing: United Arab Emirates
25 May 2025
- UAE and OpenAI announce ‘Stargate UAE’, a massive AI data center in Abu Dhabi, granting nationwide ChatGPT Plus access.
- India tightens gold and silver imports from UAE under CEPA to curb misuse of trade loopholes.
- UAE breaks May heat record with a scorching 51.6°C, raising concerns over climate resilience.
- UAE’s EDGE showcases defense industry advances at ‘Make it in the Emirates’ Forum 2025.
- UAE leaders congratulate Jordan and Argentina on their respective national days, reinforcing diplomatic ties.(Axios, The Times of India, France 24, Defence Industry Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs UAE)
OpenAI has announced a strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates to construct ‘Stargate UAE’, a massive artificial intelligence data center in Abu Dhabi. This initiative is part of OpenAI’s broader “OpenAI for Countries” program and represents a significant AI investment by the UAE. As part of the agreement, the entire population of the UAE will gain access to ChatGPT Plus subscriptions, marking a global first. The project involves a one-gigawatt AI computing cluster, with 200 megawatts expected to be operational in the next year. Key collaborators include Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, SoftBank, and Middle Eastern AI firm G42, which is supported by Microsoft. According to OpenAI leaders, the initiative aims to expand AI infrastructure globally while aligning international developments with U.S.-based AI systems. CEO Sam Altman emphasized the global impact of establishing the first Stargate outside the U.S., citing advancements in medicine, education, and energy. OpenAI plans to pursue similar partnerships with other countries in the future. (Axios)
India has implemented new restrictions on the import of precious metals such as gold and silver from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in efforts to curb misuse of trade loopholes. Effective immediately, imports of these metals in unwrought, semi-manufactured, and powdered forms are regulated. Entry into India is now permitted only through designated channels that include nominated agencies, qualified jewellers, and holders of valid Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). These measures aim to ensure trade transparency and prevent exploitation of the liberalized trade terms established under CEPA. (The Times of India)
The United Arab Emirates breached its May temperature record for the second day in a row, hitting 51.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. The extreme heat has raised concerns about the country’s climate resilience and the need for sustainable environmental policies. (ABS-CBN)
EDGE Group showcased its leading role in advancing the UAE’s sovereign defence industry and industrial ecosystem at the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025 (MIITE 2025), held at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi until 22 May. The Group’s participation aligned with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s ‘Make it in the Emirates’ and Operation 300bn initiatives. This move underscores the UAE’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign military technology. (Defence Industry Europe)
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to King Abdullah II of Jordan on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day, which is marked on 25th May. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also dispatched similar messages to King Abdullah II and the Prime Minister Jafar Hassan of Jordan. These gestures reinforce the UAE’s diplomatic ties with fellow Muslim-majority nations, promoting regional solidarity. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs UAE)
