UAE to Offer Free ChatGPT Plus to All Residents

• Nationwide AI Access and Free ChatGPT Plus Speculation:

  Several media sources report that UAE residents — including citizens and expatriates — will soon gain access to Free ChatGPT Plus, a premium subscription typically priced at $20/month. However, neither OpenAI nor the UAE government has issued a formal statement confirming the no-cost availability of ChatGPT Plus. Currently, the free GPT-3.5 version remains widely accessible. The rollout of Free ChatGPT Plus continues to generate debate and awaits clarification.

• Stargate UAE – A Regional AI Powerhouse:

  At the heart of the initiative lies Stargate UAE, a planned 1-gigawatt AI supercomputing center based in Abu Dhabi. The project’s first phase — 200 megawatts — is slated to go online by 2026. This supercomputing effort is part of a larger vision that includes a 5-gigawatt data center, jointly unveiled by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed and former US President Donald Trump during a recent diplomatic summit.

• Tech Collaborations Driving AI Ambitions:

  The project brings together major global tech firms, including Microsoft, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, SoftBank, and G42, a UAE-based company backed by Microsoft. These collaborations aim to scale the region’s AI capabilities and deliver advanced tools like Free ChatGPT Plus to millions of users through national infrastructure.

• The OpenAI for Countries Program:

  The UAE serves as the pilot country for OpenAI’s new “OpenAI for Countries” initiative, which supports the rollout of AI systems that are safe, locally governed, and aligned with national languages and values. If successful, this initiative — potentially including Free ChatGPT Plus access — could become a model for Asia-Pacific and other nations.

• Confirmed Strategic Investments:

  Axios confirms a $20 billion dual investment structure: $8 billion will support Gulf-based AI infrastructure, and $10 billion will be invested in AI development in the United States, with support from both governments. Most of the funding will be directed through G42, ensuring balance between local innovation and U.S. tech alignment.

• Wider Sectoral AI Integration:

  The program aims to integrate AI tools — including ChatGPT and possibly Free ChatGPT Plus — into vital sectors like healthcare, education, energy, urban planning, and government services. The objective is to modernize service delivery, automate routine tasks, and strengthen national innovation ecosystems.

• Support from High-Level Leaders:

  OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed as a strong advocate of AGI and a key enabler of the project. Altman also acknowledged the UAE’s government for fostering conditions that make such AI collaborations feasible at a national level.

• Global Expansion in Sight:

  OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon is set to initiate discussions with countries across Asia-Pacific to scale similar agreements. If implemented, other nations could benefit from national deployments of AI tools — possibly including localized Free ChatGPT Plus access.

Why This Matters:

The UAE’s agreement with OpenAI marks a transformational approach to artificial intelligence — moving from consumer-grade tools to sovereign digital infrastructure. With potential Free ChatGPT Plus access for millions, this effort highlights a broader geopolitical strategy: to align with U.S. AI frameworks while driving domestic technological empowerment. It also introduces a new model for AI governance that could be replicated across other nations seeking digital sovereignty.