TLDR: U.S. AI chipmaker Cerebras Systems is set to deploy significant AI infrastructure for the UAE’s ambitious Stargate data center project, a collaboration with G42 aimed at establishing one of the world’s largest AI supercomputing hubs. This strategic move, backed by recent $1.1 billion funding, marks Cerebras’ expansion into the Middle East and broader Asia-Pacific markets, navigating complex U.S. export controls.
Cerebras Systems, a leading U.S.-based artificial intelligence (AI) chipmaker, has announced its plans to roll out advanced AI infrastructure for the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) groundbreaking Stargate data center project. This initiative, spearheaded by UAE technology group G42, aims to establish one of the most powerful AI supercomputing hubs globally, positioning the Middle East as a significant player in the rapidly evolving field of AI development.
The collaboration will see Cerebras supply ‘megawatts worth of AI compute systems’ specifically designed to facilitate the training and operation of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI applications at an unprecedented scale. The initial phase of the Stargate AI campus is projected to commence operations by 2026, boasting a substantial 200-megawatt capacity.
Andrew Feldman, CEO of Cerebras, affirmed the company’s commitment, stating, “We are deploying hardware and software at scale to support some of the world’s most demanding AI workloads.” This deployment represents a pivotal expansion for Cerebras into the Middle East’s burgeoning AI infrastructure market, marking a crucial step in its global growth strategy.
Previously, Cerebras had supplied systems to G42, but these were required to remain within U.S. borders due to existing export controls. The Stargate project is a collaborative effort involving several tech giants, including Nvidia, OpenAI, and Oracle, working alongside G42. The hub is expected to serve not only the UAE but also regional markets such as India, Pakistan, and other economies across the Asia-Pacific.
The partnership, while highlighting robust international cooperation, also underscores the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding AI and semiconductor technology exports. U.S. export licensing remains a critical consideration, particularly given past scrutiny of G42’s ties to China. A precedent was set when the U.S. Commerce Department approved several billion dollars worth of Nvidia AI chip exports to the UAE under a bilateral AI cooperation agreement.
The Stargate UAE campus is an ambitious undertaking, planned to span 10 square miles in Abu Dhabi with a projected full build-out capacity of 5 gigawatts. The initial 200-megawatt phase in 2026 is already attracting bids from various suppliers for power equipment, land development, and liquid cooling solutions.
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Financially, Cerebras recently withdrew its planned U.S. public listing in October 2025, following a successful Series G funding round that secured $1.1 billion. This funding round valued the company at $8.1 billion and included new investors such as 1789 Capital. The capital raised will be utilized to scale manufacturing capabilities and finance the establishment of additional data centers, with plans to expand from six to between 12 and 15 sites within the next six to eight months. While the primary focus for this expansion is North America, international growth, including a planned presence in France by late 2025 or early 2026, is also on the agenda. CEO Feldman reiterated the company’s intention to pursue a public listing in the future, aiming to refile for a U.S. IPO as soon as conditions permit.
