Paris, France – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has committed to investing between €30 billion and €50 billion in France to establish a massive artificial intelligence (AI) data center, the French presidency announced on Thursday, February 6.
The ambitious project will form the heart of a new AI campus in the country, marking one of the largest foreign investments in Europe’s AI sector.
The announcement came as French President Emmanuel Macron met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Paris to finalize the agreement.
According to the French presidency, the AI data center will have a capacity of up to one gigawatt, making it the largest AI-focused campus in Europe.
The deal signifies a strategic partnership between France and the UAE in the rapidly advancing AI sector.
France has been actively positioning itself as a leading hub for AI development and innovation, with the government investing heavily in infrastructure and research.
The UAE, known for its aggressive AI expansion and technological advancements, sees France as a key partner in its global AI strategy.
AI Infrastructure and Energy Demands
AI data centers play a crucial role in storing and processing vast amounts of data, which are essential for the development of artificial intelligence applications.
These facilities require significant energy resources, and with a gigawatt of capacity, the new AI campus will demand an extensive power supply.
French authorities have not yet disclosed the exact location of the data center or specific details on how the energy needs will be met.
However, with Europe increasingly focused on sustainable energy solutions, the project may incorporate renewable energy sources to align with environmental policies.
Strategic Importance and Economic Impact
The UAE’s multibillion-euro investment is expected to provide a substantial economic boost to France.
The AI campus will generate thousands of jobs, both during the construction phase and in long-term operations.
Additionally, it will position France as a major AI hub in Europe, attracting further investments and talent to the country.
Experts view the UAE’s investment as a strategic move to strengthen its presence in AI research and development while also diversifying its economy beyond oil.
AI is a cornerstone of the UAE’s Vision 2031, a long-term strategy aimed at making the country a global leader in artificial intelligence.
AI Summit in Paris
The timing of the announcement coincides with a major international AI gathering taking place in Paris, where global experts are discussing the risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.
The summit serves as a prelude to a larger meeting of world leaders focused on regulating and harnessing AI’s potential.
As AI continues to reshape industries and economies, partnerships such as the one between France and the UAE highlight the growing importance of international collaboration in developing AI infrastructure and policy frameworks.
With this investment, France solidifies its role in the AI revolution while the UAE strengthens its position as a global AI powerhouse.
