In a bold move that cements its role as a global tech leader, the United Arab Emirates has announced free access to ChatGPT Plus for all its residents. This game-changing initiative, the first of its kind worldwide, comes as part of a strategic partnership between the UAE government and OpenAI. With the subscription normally priced at $20 per month, the decision to make it free signals a national push toward digital empowerment and everyday AI integration.
The initiative is part of the UAE’s broader vision to become a central AI powerhouse. At the heart of this strategy lies the Stargate UAE project in Abu Dhabi, which will feature a massive supercomputing hub starting with 200 megawatts and expanding to 1 gigawatt. Backed by global tech giants like Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, SoftBank, Microsoft, and UAE-based G42, the collaboration blends international expertise with local ambition to secure the country’s place on the global AI map.
By making advanced AI tools accessible for free, the UAE empowers residents to enhance their productivity across education, business, planning, and coding. Students, entrepreneurs, and researchers now have powerful support at their fingertips without the barrier of monthly fees. Beyond domestic impact, the UAE has pledged to match its AI investments with equivalent contributions in the U.S., potentially reaching a combined total of $20 billion. This reflects the country’s aim to create balanced, mutually beneficial global tech relationships.
OpenAI views this partnership as a blueprint for future international collaborations. The company’s leadership has hinted at plans to explore similar models in Asia-Pacific countries next. As India rapidly expands its AI initiatives, speculation grows about whether it will follow the UAE’s example. This project isn’t just about free access it marks a shift in how governments can democratize AI and directly integrate it into the daily lives of millions.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.