France and the United Arab Emirates have signed a framework agreement to develop a 1-gigawatt artificial intelligence (AI) data centre, with investments estimated between $30 billion and $50 billion, the French presidency announced on Thursday.
The deal was reached during a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Paris, ahead of next week’s AI summit, which will bring together representatives from around 100 countries.
The February 10-11 summit aims to strengthen Europe’s position in AI as it seeks to compete with the US and China, which currently dominate the sector.
In a joint statement, France and the UAE said they intend to establish a strategic AI partnership, exploring investments in advanced AI infrastructure, semiconductor acquisition, data centres, and talent development. Plans also include the creation of “virtual data embassies” to support sovereign AI and cloud systems in both countries.
The first investment announcements are expected at the Choose France summit later this year. Meanwhile, the French government has already identified 35 potential sites to host AI data centres.