UAE Secures 60,000 Nvidia AI Chips in US-Approved Microsoft Deal
Microsoft has secured approval from the U.S. Commerce Department to ship over 60,000 Nvidia AI chips to the United Arab Emirates. This significant deal involves advanced chips, including Nvidia’s GB300 Grace Blackwell models, designed for use in the UAE’s data centers.
Details of the Microsoft-Nvidia Agreement
The shipment comes under a licensing agreement approved in September, which includes strict regulatory safeguards. The deal was outlined amid recent comments from President Donald Trump regarding chip exports. In a “60 Minutes” interview, Trump expressed reluctance to allow advanced chips to be exported outside the U.S., particularly to countries like China.
UAE’s Investment Commitment
The UAE has committed to investing approximately $1.4 trillion in U.S. energy and artificial intelligence projects. This investment is noteworthy considering the country’s annual GDP is about $540 billion. Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE ambassador to the U.S., emphasized that this partnership sets a new standard for securing AI technology.
Microsoft’s Broader Technology Investment
This shipment is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy, which includes a planned $15.2 billion investment in technology within the UAE. The region is recognized for its high per-capita usage of artificial intelligence. Previously, Microsoft had also acquired over 21,000 Nvidia graphics processing units (GPUs) for AI applications in the UAE.
Utilization of Advanced AI Technology
The Nvidia GPUs are currently being used to provide access to advanced AI platforms, including those from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft itself. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities and accessibility of AI technologies within the region.
- Chips Shipped: Over 60,000 advanced Nvidia AI chips.
- Key Model: GB300 Grace Blackwell chips.
- Investment by UAE: $1.4 trillion in U.S. projects.
- Microsoft’s Technology Investment: $15.2 billion planned for the UAE.
- Chips Previously Acquired: Over 21,000 Nvidia GPUs.
This landmark agreement between Microsoft and the UAE signifies a robust partnership in advancing artificial intelligence technologies, aligning with global trends towards increasing technological collaboration.