France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reached an agreement to establish a data center with a capacity of 1 gigawatt dedicated to artificial intelligence. Following discussions between French President Emmanuel Macron and UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the agreement is expected to attract investments ranging from $30 to $50 billion.

France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reached a framework agreement for the establishment of a dedicated artificial intelligence data center with a capacity of 1 gigawatt.

The agreement, foreseeing investments between $30 and $50 billion, was announced by the French Presidency on Thursday.

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan in Paris on Thursday evening.

This meeting took place ahead of the artificial intelligence summit scheduled for February 10-11 with the participation of approximately 100 countries. The summit aims to focus on the potential of artificial intelligence.

AIMING TO PROMOTE EUROPE AGAINST THE US AND CHINA

This summit also aims to highlight France and Europe in competition in the field of artificial intelligence against the US and China.

Especially considering the high energy requirements of artificial intelligence technology, gaining independence in this field is of paramount importance.

STRATEGIC ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN FRANCE AND UAE

In a joint statement issued by France and the UAE, it was stated that “The two leaders expressed a desire to establish a strategic partnership in the field of artificial intelligence and committed to collaborating on projects and investments supporting the development of the artificial intelligence value chain.”

It was indicated that these investments will focus on the latest chip supplies, data centers, talent development, and the establishment of virtual data embassies for both French and UAE artificial intelligence technologies.

Thus, dominant artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructures could be established in both countries. The first announcement regarding investments is expected to be made at the Choose France summit to be held this year. On the other hand, the French government announced on the same day that it had identified 35 locations capable of hosting artificial intelligence data centers.