The UAE-OpenAI partnership
In May 2025, OpenAI officially announced the launch of Stargate UAE, the first international deployment of its AI infrastructure platform. This initiative is part of a strategic collaboration between OpenAI and the UAE, aiming to strengthen AI capabilities in sectors like education, healthcare, energy, transportation, and government services.
This is part of the broader OpenAI for Countries program, designed to help partner governments build sovereign AI infrastructure.
Official statement from OpenAI:
“Under the partnership, the UAE will become the first country in the world to enable ChatGPT nationwide—giving people across the country the ability to access OpenAI’s technology.”
What does “Nationwide access” mean?
While the phrase “enable ChatGPT nationwide” has led to some confusion, it does not mean that the premium ChatGPT Plus subscription is free to all UAE residents.
Instead, it refers to the integration of ChatGPT technology into national infrastructure and digital services — such as in public sector applications, not free individual access to paid plans.
Is ChatGPT Plus free in the UAE?
- No, ChatGPT Plus is still priced at $20/month globally, including in the UAE.
- There is no mention in OpenAI’s announcements or on its official pricing page indicating free premium access for UAE users.
- Media outlets such as Gulf News and Khaleej Times have also confirmed that neither OpenAI nor UAE officials have declared ChatGPT Plus free for the general population.
Clarifying the confusion
The rumors seem to stem from misinterpretation of the “nationwide access” phrase, which simply refers to broader deployment of OpenAI tools — not free access to premium plans like ChatGPT Plus.
Current access in the UAE
UAE users can:
- Use the free version of ChatGPT, which includes GPT-3.5 and limited GPT-4o access.
- Subscribe to ChatGPT Plus for extended features like full GPT-4o access, faster responses, and priority availability — still at $20/month.
Until OpenAI or UAE authorities make an official statement declaring ChatGPT Plus free for residents — which they have not — all such claims should be considered unconfirmed or inaccurate.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to:
This article will be updated if any official changes are announced.
Prepared by Gulnoza Mikhailovna
