28 Nov Oracle Introduces Cutting-Edge AI Supercluster in Abu Dhabi
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- Oracle has launched the Middle East’s first Oracle Cloud Infrastructure in Abu Dhabi.
- This initiative is designed to bolster Abu Dhabi’s ambition of becoming the world’s first fully AI-native government by 2027.
- The company established its Abu Dhabi cloud region back in 2019.
Oracle has taken a significant leap by expanding its cloud capabilities in Abu Dhabi, unveiling the region’s first Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Supercluster, which is powered by Nvidia’s latest Blackwell GPUs. This advancement aims to accelerate the development of sovereign AI within the United Arab Emirates, specifically targeting Abu Dhabi’s visionary goal of being the world’s first fully AI-native government by the year 2027.
This newly established supercluster stands as one of the largest investments in advanced AI computing within the Middle East. It offers a robust platform for governments and regulated industries to conduct essential tasks such as training AI models, running simulations, and executing research—all while ensuring that all data remains securely stored within the UAE. This focus on data sovereignty aligns perfectly with the strict regulations governing data protection in the region.
Oracle initially launched its cloud region in Abu Dhabi in 2019, subsequently following up with another region in Dubai. This strategic expansion marked Oracle as the first major global cloud provider to establish two operational regions within the UAE. The latest developments reflect Oracle’s ongoing commitment to growth in the Middle East, where the company is already making significant contributions to core sectors, including healthcare, finance, and aviation, through government-grade cloud services.
Nick Redshaw, Oracle’s senior vice-president for cloud infrastructure in the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the importance of this launch for the region. He stated, “Bringing the region’s first OCI Supercluster to Abu Dhabi allows both governments and enterprises to access some of the most advanced AI compute capabilities right in their own backyard.”
Adding to this excitement, Marc Domenech, Nvidia’s senior regional director for enterprise Meta, noted that this partnership will deliver unparalleled computing power and performance, thus enabling Abu Dhabi to fulfill its aspiration of establishing an AI-native government. He remarked that the fusion of Nvidia’s accelerated computing with Oracle’s secure cloud infrastructure equips nations with the necessary tools they need to innovate while maintaining control over their data.
The UAE has emerged as one of the swiftest adopters of AI technologies within government services. Abu Dhabi’s vision for an AI-native government builds upon comprehensive digital initiatives that include fully paperless services, predictive analytics for enhancing citizen services, and secure data-sharing protocols across various public agencies, among other automated operational improvements.
At recent significant events like the Dubai Airshow and Gitex Global, UAE officials have reiterated the critical role of sovereign AI and supercomputing capabilities in enhancing aviation safety, planning energy resources, and developing national digital identity systems.
Currently, Oracle operates cloud regions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Jeddah, with plans for further expansion in Riyadh. The company is also focused on creating dedicated sovereign cloud zones intended for governmental and defense applications. Globally, Oracle aims to deliver comprehensive cloud services across more than 200 locations, utilizing both public cloud options and private installations, alongside edge computing solutions.
The introduction of this new supercluster equips Middle Eastern governments and businesses with the computational power necessary to develop large foundational models, create specialized AI assistants tailored to various sectors, and perform advanced scientific tasks—all while adhering to the region’s data privacy guidelines. With an increasing demand for sovereign AI solutions, Oracle’s early investments are helping to position Abu Dhabi as a leading center for AI innovation and digital governance in the region.
