UAE to Invest €50 Billion in France’s Largest AI Data Centre
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will invest up to €50 billion in building France’s largest AI data centre, marking one of the biggest AI infrastructure projects in Europe.
The project was announced following a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It is part of a broader Franco-Emirati AI framework agreement, which includes investments in AI research, semiconductor chip production, talent development, and virtual data embassies.
At a tech event on Thursday, France’s Digital and AI Minister Clara Chappaz stated that 35 potential sites for the facility have been identified, with plans to fast-track administrative approvals.
The AI data centre is backed by Franco-Emirati investors, including MGX, an Abu Dhabi-based investment firm involved in funding AI companies such as xAI, Databricks, and OpenAI.
The AI Action Summit in Paris officially began today, where world leaders, including US Vice President J.D. Vance, China’s Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, are expected to discuss AI investment, regulation, and energy requirements.
