OpenAI and G42 to build UAE-specific ChatGPT

OpenAI is developing a customized version of ChatGPT tailored specifically for the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence firm G42, according to recent media reports.

The fine-tuned chatbot is being designed to align with the UAE’s local language nuances, political outlook, and speech regulations, people familiar with the matter said.

OpenAI officials confirmed that the localized version is intended for use by the UAE government, marking one of the first known instances of a country-specific deployment of the widely used AI tool.

The customized ChatGPT is expected to support Arabic fluently, including local dialects, and may incorporate content moderation policies aligned with the country’s laws and cultural frameworks. While specific technical and policy details remain under discussion, the initiative reflects a broader shift among U.S. technology companies toward building region-specific AI systems as they expand globally.

The collaboration underscores deepening ties between OpenAI and the UAE’s AI ecosystem, particularly G42, which is chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The partnership comes amid a series of high-profile initiatives linking the two entities.

In May 2025, the UAE announced Stargate UAE, a major AI infrastructure initiative that also sparked widespread rumours about free ChatGPT Premium access for all UAE citizens. 

Under the Stargate UAE project, the first 200-megawatt phase is expected to go live in 2026. The initiative brings together G42, Oracle, Nvidia, Cisco, and SoftBank, positioning the UAE as a significant player in global AI infrastructure.

Separately, MGX, an investment vehicle linked to G42, invested in OpenAI at a reported $500 billion valuation in October 2025. Around the same time, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman received an honorary doctorate from Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence in Abu Dhabi, further signaling strengthening institutional ties.

Beyond the UAE, G42 is also expanding its AI infrastructure footprint internationally. On Monday, the company and a consortium of Vietnamese firms signed a framework agreement to develop sovereign artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure across Vietnam.

Under the pact, G42 and the consortium, which includes FPT Corporation and Viet Thai Group, plan to invest up to $1 billion to deploy AI and cloud capacity across three data centre locations in Vietnam. The facilities are intended to serve both public and private sector computing needs, supporting the country’s ambitions to become a leading technology hub in Southeast Asia while safeguarding national data sovereignty.

The partners aim to build and operate large-scale data centres offering high-performance AI and cloud services. G42 will provide advanced AI infrastructure capabilities, while FPT will contribute technical expertise and local market knowledge. Viet Thai Group will bring strategic capabilities across sectors including retail and logistics.

“This framework agreement represents a new model for national AI transformation, one built on sovereignty, partnership and purpose,” said Ali Al Amine, chief commercial officer of G42 International, in a statement.

Vietnamese officials said the collaboration would support national AI initiatives, accelerate digital transformation and strengthen innovation across government, industry and research institutions. The next phase includes finalising public-private workload distribution, securing regulatory approvals and beginning construction.

Vietnam has been pursuing hyperscale AI and digital infrastructure as part of its broader economic strategy, aiming to strengthen data security, digital resilience and its position as a regional technology hub.

Together, G42’s partnerships in the UAE and Vietnam signal a broader strategy focused on sovereign AI infrastructure, combining localized AI deployment with large-scale computing investments across emerging markets.