Latest news with #MohamedbinZayed
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
As UAE, OpenAI sign deal, will ChatGPT Plus really become free for its citizens?
OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is partnering with the United Arab Emirates to build one of the world's most powerful artificial intelligence computing complexes, marking a bold step in the company's new 'OpenAI for Countries' initiative. The new project, called Stargate UAE, will be developed in partnership with American tech giants and local Emirati firms, and will serve as a key node in OpenAI's growing global infrastructure. The announcement follows a high-profile diplomatic push led by US President Donald Trump during his visit to the Gulf nation last week. During the visit, Trump and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed jointly unveiled plans for a sprawling five-gigawatt data centre in Abu Dhabi — with Stargate UAE slated to serve as the first one-gigawatt phase of that larger vision. OpenAI and its partners are all set to build a one gigawatt AI computing centre in Abu Dhabi, with about 200 megawatts to open by 2026. This will be the first of several data centers planned for the complex next year. great to work with the UAE on our first international stargate! appreciate the governments working together to make this happen. sheikh tahnoon has been a great supporter of openai, a true believer in AGI, and a dear personal friend. — Sam Altman (@sama) May 23, 2025 This one gigawatt centre will be part of the larger 5 gigawatt Abu Dhabi data center announced by President Trump and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed during the former's visit last week. An Axios report states that the new UAE investment via G42 could be about $20 billion, with the expected outlays in the Gulf at $8 billion and the US at $10 billion. The US government has also given its approval to the deal. OpenAI last week announced its Artificial Intelligence (AI) partnership with UAE, which will make it the first country to enable ChatGPT across the country, meaning the AI will be integrated into sectors like education, healthcare, energy and government services. OpenAI's official announcement mentions nationwide access to ChatGPT, but it nowhere mentions that it will be free of cost for personal subscription. While some media reports mentioned that it will be freely available to all UAE residents, there is no confirmation regarding the same by OpenAI or UAE government. As of now, the ChatGPT's free version (GPT 3.5) remains available for everyone in the UAE, and the premium version, ChatGPT Plus is available at a cost of $20 per month.
Emirates 24/7
5 days ago
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Hamdan bin Mohammed meets with Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, met today in Muscat with His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs of Oman. The meeting explored opportunities to further deepen strategic cooperation between the UAE and Oman across various sectors, underpinned by the strong historical and fraternal ties shared by the two nations and their peoples. Held as part of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan's official visit to Oman at the head of a high-level delegation, the meeting reflected the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation, guided by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman. During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed underscored the significance of continued high-level exchanges and ongoing ministerial and government engagement, which reflect the shared commitment of both nations to further strengthen UAE-Oman ties. He noted that strengthening bilateral ties serves national development goals, particularly in the economic, political, scientific, and cultural spheres. The meeting highlighted the importance of ongoing coordination to advance mutual interests and drive comprehensive, sustainable development in both nations. The discussions also touched on ways to enhance Gulf cooperation, with a focus on increasing trade and tourism flows, promoting mutual investments, and encouraging the private sector to play a greater role in launching joint ventures that contribute to growth across the industrial, commercial, and investment sectors. Sheikh Hamdan praised the continued growth of UAE-Oman economic relations. Oman remains the UAE's second-largest trading partner among GCC countries. In 2024, non-oil trade between the two nations surpassed AED56.1 billion, marking a 9.8% increase compared to 2023. He expressed confidence that further opportunities lie ahead to expand trade and boost tourism flows, especially given the rich and diverse offerings that both countries boast. The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said welcomed H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and the accompanying delegation to Oman, emphasising that the visit reflects the depth of the ties between the two brotherly nations. He noted that the visit would serve to further advance strategic cooperation in support of mutual development goals and continued economic growth. Sayyid Fahd reiterated Oman's commitment to strengthening cooperation and enhancing bilateral relations aligned with the two countries' shared strategic aspirations for the future. The meeting also covered a range of regional and international developments, including the latest updates from the Middle East, and ongoing efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the region. The meeting was also attended by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Her Excellency Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State; Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers;Abdullah Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Lieutenant General Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Dubai's State Security Department; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Chairman and CEO of DP World, and Chairman of the Dubai International Chamber. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Ya Biladi
19-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco-UAE consortium launches major water and energy infrastructure project
A consortium formed by the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, Taqa Morocco, and Nareva was created to advance Morocco's strategic infrastructure. This Morocco-UAE partnership has signed three memorandums of understanding with the Moroccan government and the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) to develop new infrastructure for water and electricity transport, seawater desalination, and power generation from renewable and natural gas sources. The large-scale investment program worth approximately 130 billion dirhams by 2030 stems from the joint declaration signed on December 4, 2023, between King Mohammed VI and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. It aims to address Morocco's urgent needs in water and energy through a large-scale investment program to be completed by 2030, announced an ONEE press release on Monday. The program includes five key components: · Water transfer between the Sebou and Oum Rbia basins (800 million m³/year), · Seawater desalination capacity of 900 million m³/year powered entirely by renewables, · A 1,400-km HVDC power line (3,000 MW) linking the south to the center, · An additional 1,200 MW in renewable energy, · Gas-fired combined cycle power plants in Tahaddart (1,500 MW total). Each project will be governed by specific development agreements between the consortium and ONEE. The first deal, for the Tahaddart plant, has already been signed. Financing will be arranged by the consortium and sourced from both national and international lenders. Beyond infrastructure, the program is expected to create over 25,000 jobs—including 10,000 permanent roles—foster technology transfer, and support the emergence of a local industrial ecosystem, particularly in desalination and renewable energy. Ultimately, the project aims to combine national sovereignty, water security, clean energy transition, and technological innovation—while generating a lasting impact on employment, competitiveness, and sustainable development.
Web Release
19-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
UAE to invest $1.4 Trillion in the U.S. Over Next Decade
UAE to invest $1.4 Trillion in the U.S. Over Next Decade UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed revealed on Thursday an ambitious initiative to invest USD 1.4 trillion in the United States over the coming decade, emphasising what he described as a 'solid partnership' with Washington that has strengthened under President Donald Trump, according to AFP. While addressing the media alongside Trump at the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed noted that the investment would focus on key areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, and energy. 'The UAE's decision to invest USD 1.4 trillion in the US over the next ten years highlights the resilience of our strategic alliance,' said the UAE President. His statement came as President Trump concluded his four-day tour of the Gulf, during which several business and defence agreements were secured with regional partners. Trump's Tour of West Asia Delivers Significant Outcomes Earlier that day, Trump visited the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military facility in the Middle East. Speaking to American service members, he confirmed that Qatar would allocate USD 10 billion to upgrade the base in the coming years, as reported by Reuters. Trump also announced that Qatar had signed defence procurement agreements valued at USD 42 billion the previous day. The visit has already resulted in several major business commitments
The National
16-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Trump's Gulf tour marks reset in ties and long-term US engagement
US President Donald Trump wrapped up a high-stakes tour of the Gulf on Friday, marking what regional observers view as a significant reset in relations between Washington and key Arab allies. His four-day trip, which took him to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, laid the foundation for a new chapter in American engagement with the region, with outcomes likely to endure well beyond Mr Trump's time in office. The US leader secured $2 trillion worth of commercial deals and investment pledges for the US, the White House said, with a focus on sectors including aviation, artificial intelligence, technology, defence and energy. His historic visit was also heavy on symbolism and substance. From Riyadh to Doha and Abu Dhabi, Gulf leaders welcomed Mr Trump with elaborate displays of ceremony. In Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman broke royal protocol by personally greeting the President on the tarmac. In Doha, Mr Trump's motorcade was flanked by red Tesla Cybertrucks and riders on horseback. And in Abu Dhabi, President Mohamed bin Zayed awarded him the Order of Zayed, the country's highest civilian honour. These gestures were seen as messages of friendship, mutual respect and renewed strategic alignment, echoing in every stop. It was the President's first official foreign visit since returning to office, and it was designed to reassure allies that Washington remains deeply invested in their security and prosperity. While unified in their desire for stronger ties with the US, each Gulf state offered a different angle to the visit. Saudi Arabia presented itself as the geopolitical heavyweight; the UAE highlighted innovation, trade and connectivity; while Qatar focused on defence co-operation and regional security. Throughout the trip, Mr Trump emphasised his vision for a more peaceful and stable Middle East. 'After so many decades of conflict, finally it is within our grasp to reach the future that generations before us could only dream about, a land of peace, safety, harmony, opportunity, innovation and achievement, right here in the Middle East,' he said in an address to the Saudi-US Investment Forum at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Centre in Riyadh, on Tuesday. In a major foreign policy shift, Mr Trump announced in the same speech the lifting of US sanctions on Syria. While the move offers clear benefits for Damascus, it also marks a potential political win for the President, aligning with his broader vision of promoting regional stability. Lifting the sanctions − which had effectively severed Syria from the global financial system − will pave the way for greater engagement by humanitarian organisations, while also easing the flow of foreign investment and trade as the country begins to rebuild, following the overthrow of the Assad regime in December. This move followed a meeting between Mr Trump and Syria's President Ahmad Al Shara − the first encounter between US and Syrian heads of state in a quarter of a century. The US leader mentioned Lebanon as well. He said the country has been victimised by Hezbollah and its sponsor, Iran, but he expressed optimism about the new leadership in Beirut, calling it 'the first real chance in decades for a more productive partnership with the United States'. 'We're going to see if we can really help them out and let them get over that very high grid,' added Mr Trump. On Iran, speaking in Doha, Mr Trump said a nuclear deal was 'close'. Washington and Tehran have held four rounds of nuclear talks since April, all mediated by Oman. The negotiations aim to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. 'A lot of people want me to go the other route – they say knock it out,' said Mr Trump. He would instead choose the diplomatic route, he added. Still, some of Mr Trump's regional goals remained out of reach. Despite his desire to expand the Abraham Accords, Saudi Arabia had previously made clear that establishing relations with Israel remained 'off the table' in the absence of an irreversible path to Palestinian statehood. The war in Gaza continues to complicate any progress in this. Analysts say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to link military action to his political survival. However, US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators are pressing ahead with efforts to try to end the Israel-Gaza war. As Air Force One departed the region, Mr Trump's tour had achieved its objective of opening new channels of co-operation and potentially setting the tone for the remainder of the administration. But questions remain about whether it has truly rebuilt trust. During Mr Trump's first term, many in the Gulf were left disappointed when the US did not respond militarily to the 2019 drone and missile attack on Saudi oil facilities – widely blamed on Iran. Despite the severity of the strike, which temporarily knocked out half of the kingdom's oil output, Mr Trump opted for sanctions over strikes. This time, the President's message was clear: the US is committed to its Gulf allies for the long term. But he remains, in the eyes of many, unpredictable. Scepticism also lingers, according to experts, over whether the ambitious promises made during the tour will fully materialise.
