Everyone living in Dubai will soon get free ChatGPT Plus subscription
People living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will soon be able to use ChatGPT Plus for free. This makes the UAE the first country in the world to give free access to the premium version of ChatGPT to its entire population. The plan is part of a big partnership between OpenAI and the UAE government, which also includes building a huge AI data centre called Stargate UAE in Abu Dhabi. This project is a major step for both sides. OpenAI and its partners are working on building a powerful one-gigawatt AI computing cluster, with the first part — around 200 megawatts — expected to be ready next year. advertisementAccording to Axios, Stargate UAE is part of OpenAI's 'OpenAI for Countries' programme, which helps other nations build their own AI systems and tools while working closely with the United States. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called the project 'a bold vision' and said it's a way to bring the benefits of AI — like better healthcare, modern education, and cleaner energy — to more places around the world.The UAE deal also includes big names like Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, SoftBank, and G42, an AI company from the Middle East supported by Microsoft. Together, they're aiming to make the UAE a key location for AI in the region.
One of the most exciting parts of this partnership is that every person living in the UAE will get access to ChatGPT Plus, which gives people access to OpenAI's most advanced AI tools. Millions already use it to get help with writing, studying, coding, planning and more. Now, in the UAE, anyone will be able to use it without paying.advertisementThe project is not only about building large data centres. The goal is to bring AI closer to the people. Through OpenAI for Countries, OpenAI wants to create AI that fits each country's local needs — such as working in their own languages and following their own rules. This also helps protect people's data and makes sure AI is used in a fair and responsible way.The UAE has also agreed to match its AI spending at home by investing the same amount in AI projects in the United States. Axios reports that this could add up to $20 billion in total investment, split between the Gulf and the US.Looking ahead, OpenAI's Chief Strategy Officer, Jason Kwon, will visit other countries across Asia Pacific to discuss similar partnerships. OpenAI says it hopes the UAE is just the beginning, and that it will soon help more countries set up their own AI systems.
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