The American technology company joins the consortium led by G42, OpenAI, NVIDIA, Oracle, and SoftBank to deploy an artificial intelligence data center in Abu Dhabi with an initial capacity of 200 MW.
Cisco has officially announced its integration into the Stargate UAE project, an ambitious joint initiative to develop cutting-edge artificial intelligence infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) took place alongside other key consortium members, including G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, and SoftBank Group, solidifying a globally significant strategic alliance.
The core of the project involves the establishment of a specialized AI data center with an expected capacity of 1 gigawatt, of which 200 megawatts will be operational by 2026. This center will be part of the recently announced UAE-US AI Campus, positioning itself as one of the most advanced infrastructures globally for the training and deployment of large-scale artificial intelligence models.
Cisco Technology for AI
As the preferred technology partner of the consortium, Cisco will provide advanced networking, security, and observability solutions, specifically designed to manage workload-intensive tasks associated with generative AI use. Its role will be crucial in ensuring a secure, scalable, high-performance environment, from the infrastructure layer to the operation of distributed computing clusters.
Chuck Robbins, chairman and CEO of Cisco, highlighted the strategic significance of the agreement: “With the right infrastructure, artificial intelligence can transform data into knowledge and enable organizations to innovate faster. We are proud to join this consortium to realize the potential of AI and lay the foundations for tomorrow’s advancements”.
This involvement complements Cisco’s recent initiatives in the Middle East, following Robbins’ tour of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where the company showcased a series of projects aimed at accelerating AI-based digital transformation in the region.
A High-Level Geopolitical Collaboration
The MoU signing ceremony was presided over by key figures in regional and technological leadership. Among the attendees were His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates; Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA; Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; and Masayoshi Son, chairman of SoftBank Group. Representing Cisco was Jeetu Patel, president of products and global innovation leader.
The event also coincided with the visit of former U.S. President Donald Trump to the region, within a context that strengthens technological and economic ties between the United States and the UAE concerning artificial intelligence and digital sovereignty.
A Collaborative Ecosystem for Future AI
The Stargate UAE consortium aims to become a global benchmark for responsible and distributed artificial intelligence development, promoting standards of safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Cisco’s participation reinforces this mission, leveraging its experience accumulated over four decades in networking, cybersecurity, and digital resilience.
In addition to technical deployment, the project also encompasses the joint development of solutions for strategic sectors such as healthcare, energy, logistics, and defense, contributing to positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for AI innovation.
With this partnership, Cisco not only reaffirms its commitment to the Middle East region but also places itself at the heart of one of the world’s most ambitious endeavors to transform artificial intelligence into an open, scalable, and globally distributed infrastructure.