France and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to build a 1 gigawatt data center dedicated to artificial intelligence, representing an investment of $30-$50 billion. The agreement was announced during a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Paris.
The data center will be the core of a new AI "campus" in France, becoming the largest in Europe dedicated to the technology. The project aims to bolster France and Europe's position in the AI race, competing with the US and China.
The partnership will involve investments in both French and Emirati AI, including the acquisition of cutting-edge chips, data centers, talent development, and the establishment of virtual data embassies.