Microsoft has received approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce to ship over 60,000 Nvidia AI chips to the United Arab Emirates, marking the first export license of its kind under the current administration. The approval, granted in September but announced on November 3, 2025, allows Microsoft to proceed with its AI infrastructure plans in the Gulf region.
The license covers the shipment of Nvidia's advanced GB300 models, equivalent to 60,400 A100 GPUs, which are part of the high-demand Grace/Blackwell lineup. These chips will be used to deliver AI capabilities from OpenAI, Anthropic, and open-source developers, alongside Microsoft's own services. The company emphasized that the chips will support the UAE's goal of becoming a major AI hub, with updated and stringent technology safeguards in place.
Microsoft also revealed a massive investment ramp-up, planning to increase its total spending in the UAE to $15.2 billion by 2030. This includes a $1.5 billion equity stake in AI firm G42 and $5.5 billion in capital expenses for expanding cloud and AI infrastructure in the Middle East. At the ADIPEC conference in Abu Dhabi, Microsoft President Brad Smith expressed gratitude to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and highlighted bipartisan support from lawmakers like Marco Rubio.
Analysts, including Oxford Economics' Azad Zangana, called the chips crucial for the UAE's AI ambitions, providing a competitive edge in the global landscape. The announcement boosted tech stocks, with Nvidia shares rising 3%, and contributed to a broader market lift, though other sectors saw declines.
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