ChatGPT Plus is now available for free to residents of the United Arab Emirates, and the internet is buzzing with envy. Here’s everything we know about the surprising new deal.
ChatGPT Plus for Free — But Only in the UAE
Until now, access to ChatGPT Plus, the premium version of OpenAI’s popular AI tool, has come at a price of $20 a month. For that fee, users enjoyed priority access during peak times, faster response rates, and early access to new features. It was a valuable upgrade for those who relied heavily on ChatGPT, whether for business, research, or entertainment.
But in an unexpected move, OpenAI has partnered with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government to offer ChatGPT Plus free of charge to all residents in the country. The agreement, which was reported by The Economic Times, will make the premium service available to everyone living in the UAE, not just citizens. It’s not clear yet if using a VPN to connect to a server in the UAE will grant access, but for now, it’s a groundbreaking initiative that has everyone talking.
This partnership isn’t just about free access to a tool—it’s part of a broader push by the UAE to become a key player in the global AI race.
The UAE’s Ambitious AI Goals
The launch of this free ChatGPT Plus access is part of a larger strategic move by the UAE to position itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence. OpenAI has already committed to building a state-of-the-art data center in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to high-performance AI. This facility is expected to generate 200 megawatts of power initially, with plans to scale up to 1 gigawatt in the future. When completed, this will make it one of the world’s most powerful AI computing centers.
The UAE has big plans for AI and technology, and this move is designed to help it become a leading hub in the Middle East for all things AI. As countries around the world scramble to take advantage of artificial intelligence’s transformative potential, the UAE’s partnership with OpenAI represents a strategic investment in the future. The country aims to avoid being left behind as the world continues to make strides in AI, a technology that could shape global development for decades to come.
The Race for AI Access
This announcement also comes at a time when the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has raised concerns about the growing inequality in access to AI tools. The report warns that countries that fail to invest in AI infrastructure risk falling even further behind economically.
In response, the UAE is not only focusing on its domestic AI ambitions but is also making significant investments in AI projects across the globe, including in the United States. This proactive approach is a clear indicator of the UAE’s intention to be a major player in the future of artificial intelligence.
What Does This Mean for the Rest of the World?
With the UAE leading the charge in AI access and innovation, it’s likely that other countries will follow suit, either by offering similar deals or by ramping up their own investments in AI technology. For now, though, residents of the UAE are the lucky ones, gaining access to one of the most powerful AI tools available—completely free of charge.
For those outside of the UAE, this move has sparked jealousy and curiosity about whether OpenAI will consider expanding this offer to other countries. Given the ongoing global interest in AI and the competitive race for technological dominance, it wouldn’t be surprising to see similar initiatives pop up elsewhere in the near future.
As we wait to see what happens next, one thing is clear: AI is the future, and countries that embrace it early are poised to lead the way.
