Cisco joins Stargate UAE in major Abu Dhabi AI data centre push

Cisco has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to join the Stargate UAE consortium as a preferred technology partner for a new AI data centre project in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement will see Cisco collaborate with G42, OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, and SoftBank Group in the development of a data centre aiming for a target capacity of 1 GW, with an initial 200 MW scheduled for delivery in 2026.

Cisco will provide networking, security, and observability hardware and software to support OpenAI workloads, with the objective of advancing AI infrastructure across the Middle East.

The MOU, signed by Cisco's Chair and Chief Executive Officer Chuck Robbins alongside partner organisations, reflects the consortium's commitment to fostering safe, broadly distributed AI development and responsible capital stewardship.

The announcement aligns with recent regional visits by US President Donald Trump, as well as Cisco's own initiatives to support AI ambitions throughout the Middle East.

The project was highlighted at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi attended by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Cisco President and Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel, along with key representatives from the participating organisations and regional leadership.

The signing brought together company representatives and dignitaries, including Marty Edelman, General Counsel of G42; His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC); His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister; Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA; Sam Altman, Co-founder and CEO of OpenAI; Masayoshi Son, Chairman and CEO of SoftBank Group; Jeetu Patel, President and Chief Product Officer of Cisco; Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42; Mike Sicilia, EVP Global Industries of Oracle; His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Vice-Chairman of AIATC; and His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Mubadala Investment Company and Member of the AIATC.

As part of the partnership, Cisco will deliver advanced networking and security solutions designed to accelerate the deployment of AI compute clusters in the region.

Chuck Robbins, Cisco Chair and CEO, commented, "With the right infrastructure in place, AI can transform data into insights that empower every organisation to innovate faster, tackle complex challenges, and deliver tangible outcomes. Cisco is proud to join this consortium to harness the power of AI and deliver the infrastructure that will enable tomorrow's breakthroughs."

The announcement follows Robbins' recent visits to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, during which Cisco launched several strategic initiatives across different phases of regional AI transformation. These initiatives involve leveraging Cisco's technological expertise in networking and security, as well as its long-term partnerships within the Middle East.

Cisco's ongoing strategy includes fostering the development of secure AI-driven digital infrastructure, in coordination with industry partners. The Stargate UAE project is intended to support AI workloads and digital transformation agendas as part of a wider push for technological advancement in the region.

The Stargate UAE initiative has been presented as a milestone in the commitment to building responsible and secure AI capabilities, with stakeholders aiming to balance innovation with robust governance practices.