[UAE Watch #01] 🇦🇪 UAE Is Giving ChatGPT Plus to Everyone—Here’s What That Really Means

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In May 2025, the UAE became the first country to announce free ChatGPT Plus access for all citizens and residents. Learn what this means, how it ties to the Stargate UAE project, and why it matters for the future of AI infrastructure worldwide.


 Table of Contents


Introduction

On May 22, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made headlines by becoming the first country in the world to declare that every citizen and resident would receive free access to ChatGPT Plus. This groundbreaking initiative marks not just a technological leap, but a national vision toward AI integration across education, governance, healthcare, and daily life.

However, this policy is not being implemented immediately. It is tied to the launch of Stargate UAE, a state-of-the-art AI infrastructure project being developed in partnership with OpenAI and UAE-based AI firm G42. The first phase of the data center is expected to go live in 2026. This announcement, therefore, represents a forward-looking commitment to national AI readiness, not an instant rollout.

This article explores the key elements of the UAE’s strategy, what the free ChatGPT Plus plan entails, and what it could signal for global AI adoption.


Stargate UAE: More Than a Data Center

Stargate UAE is a joint venture between OpenAI and the Emirati AI firm G42 to build one of the world's largest AI data centers. Located in Abu Dhabi, the project aims to provide up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of computing power. The initial 200 megawatts (MW) are expected to go online by 2026.

This project is the first under OpenAI's new "OpenAI for Countries" program—a global initiative designed to provide national-level AI infrastructure. Tech giants such as Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, and SoftBank have also signed on as partners to help scale the ecosystem and ensure global interoperability.

Importantly, this initiative was publicly announced on May 22, 2025, but the actual infrastructure—and thus service delivery—will begin in 2026 and beyond.


Free ChatGPT Plus—Yes, Really

The UAE government confirmed that all citizens and legal residents will receive access to ChatGPT Plus without any subscription fees. Normally priced at $20/month, the Plus service provides access to GPT-4o—OpenAI’s latest and most capable model, known for its speed, multimodal processing, and advanced reasoning abilities.

It’s not just a flashy headline. The initiative aligns with national goals to modernize public services, personalize education, and improve digital access across sectors. In effect, the UAE is treating AI access like a public utility—as fundamental as electricity or internet.


UAE’s Broader AI Strategy

This announcement is part of a much larger game plan. The UAE has been aggressively investing in artificial intelligence for years, establishing itself as a regional hub for emerging technologies.

By partnering with OpenAI, the country is not only securing early access to cutting-edge tools but also shaping the way AI is deployed, regulated, and scaled. The government has already signed reciprocal agreements with the U.S. to co-invest in AI infrastructure and ensure compliance with international standards.

This isn’t just about national prestige. It’s about building a foundation for AI diplomacy, setting rules for responsible AI use, and exporting AI solutions to nearby regions including Africa, South Asia, and the Gulf.


FAQs

Q1. When will people in the UAE actually get access to ChatGPT Plus?
A. The infrastructure is expected to go live in 2026. That’s when the rollout is likely to begin, in phases.

Q2. Who qualifies for the free service?
A. Everyone living in the UAE—citizens, residents, and expats alike.

Q3. What makes ChatGPT Plus different from the free version?
A. ChatGPT Plus provides access to GPT-4o, with faster performance, smarter answers, and enhanced capabilities, including handling images, audio, and complex reasoning.

Q4. Will other countries follow this model?
A. Possibly. OpenAI’s “for Countries” program is designed to be replicated elsewhere. UAE just happens to be the first to move.


Final Thoughts

The UAE’s move to offer ChatGPT Plus to its entire population isn’t just generous—it’s strategic. It signals a shift in how governments are starting to think about artificial intelligence: not as a luxury, but as an essential part of modern life and governance.

By 2026, when Stargate UAE is fully online, the country could become the global poster child for national-level AI access. Whether other nations will follow suit remains to be seen—but the bar has definitely been raised.


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