UAE to Build Europe’s Largest Data Centre in France

As part of the UAE-France Framework for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, the two countries have signed a major artificial intelligence (AI) partnership to construct a 1 GW data center and AI campus in France.

The investment, which was announced by the Elysée Palace on Thursday, is expected to between $31.2 billion and $52 billion, making it one of the largest AI projects in Europe. The UAE President H H Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and French President Emmanuel Macron reviewed the collaboration under the joint UAE-France Framework Agreement.

They were present at the signing ceremony, which was signed on behalf of the UAE by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and member of the Abu Dhabi Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council, and on behalf of France by Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Éric Lombard, Minister for the Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty.

The two leaders also agreed to closely monitor the development of various AI cooperation projects in the coming period.

They underlined their intent to create a strategic AI partnership and emphasised their commitment to exploring collaboration on projects and investments that support the development of the AI value chain, including investment in UAE and French AI, leading edge chips offtake, data centre infrastructure and talent development, and by establishing Virtual Data Embassies to enable sovereign AI and cloud infrastructure in both countries.

Constructive Collaboration

In his comments, H H Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is on a working visit to France, highlighted the constructive collaboration across multiple sectors, particularly in energy and climate action between the two countries.

He also noted that the two nations have maintained a Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership since 2022 and launched the UAE-France Bilateral Climate Investment Platform last year.

Furthermore, His Highness noted that the two countries share a commitment to the responsible use of artificial intelligence for global development, as well as cooperation in the protection of world heritage and other areas of mutual interest.

His Highness is accompanied by a delegation including H H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to UAE President; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and other senior officials.

Location Not finalised

According to the French Presidency, the AI-focused campus will be developed by a consortium of Emirati and French technology leaders, led by the MGX investment fund, which is supported by the UAE.

The precise location of the data center has not yet been determined, but a formal investment announcement is expected at the Choose France 2025 summit in May, an event dedicated to promoting France’s economic attractiveness.

This planned AI campus is expected to play a key role in developing computing power for AI technologies. It is expected to rival AI development hubs in the US and China, reinforcing France’s ambition to be a leader in AI innovation.

The French government has already designated 35 new sites across the country to accommodate AI data centers, which require massive storage and high computing power. Given the energy-intensive nature of AI, these data centers will be crucial in ensuring Europe’s competitiveness in AI technology.

The two leaders also discussed regional and international developments, exchanging views on key issues and reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue and collaboration. They underscored the importance of working together to advance peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond while addressing pressing global challenges.