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US To Lease State Land For Local Data Centers Amid AI Infrastructure Push

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 15, 2025

In his final days in office, US President Joe Biden signed an executive order aimed at accelerating the large-scale construction of data centers across the country, particularly for the development of artificial intelligence (AI). Under the new directive, the federal government will lease state land for the establishment of infrastructure vital to the nation’s ongoing technological leadership, particularly in AI.

Key Facts

The executive order requires federal agencies to speed up the creation of large-scale AI infrastructure on state-owned land, with provisions in place to ensure investor responsibility.
The US Department of Defense and the Department of Energy will each designate at least three sites where the private sector can build data centers.
Competitive bidding processes will be held for private companies, which will be tasked with covering all costs related to construction and operation.
Investors will also be required to ensure that the data centers are powered by clean energy to meet their full operational capacity.
While the federal government will lease the land, companies will retain ownership of the materials and infrastructure they develop on the land.
The order mandates that the construction of AI-focused data centers on federal land be carried out through public works contracts.

Important Quote

“We must not take our leadership position for granted. We will not allow the United States to be overtaken when it comes to the technologies that will define the future, nor must we sacrifice critical environmental standards and our shared efforts to protect clean air and clean water,” said President Biden.

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Key Story

This move comes just a day after the announcement of new rules governing the sharing of AI chips and models with foreign countries. These regulations aim to control global access to US-developed AI chips and technologies, ensuring that sensitive AI applications remain under US control. The new rules are focused on regulating the export of American-made chips and AI technologies, pivotal to the most advanced AI developments.

UAE Embarks On 2031 National Investment Strategy To Boost Annual Foreign Inflows

by News Editor

March 11, 2025

The UAE has set a bold vision with its National Investment Strategy 2031, targeting an elevation in annual foreign investment inflows from AED112 billion ($30.5 billion) in 2023 to AED240 billion ($65.4 billion) by 2031. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the strategy’s goal to transform the UAE into a premier global investment hub. Aiming to swell the foreign direct investment stock from AED800 billion to AED2.2 trillion, this strategy focuses on key sectors: industry, financial services, transport and logistics, renewable energy, and telecommunications.

Key Initiatives And Economic Contributions

The approved strategy includes 12 new programs and 30 distinct initiatives, such as the Financial Sector Development and the Investment Offices Promotion Incubator. Currently, foreign direct investment contributes significantly to the GDP, with predictions to increase its share to over 30% of the total investments by 2031.

Dive deeper into the global market shifts in Wall Street Tumbles Amid Trade Tensions.

Technological And Digital Advancements

The strategy outlines the UAE’s vision to become a digital economy powerhouse by 2031, intending to enhance the digital economy’s current contribution to GDP from 9.7% to 19.4%. The Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) will also play a pivotal role in gauging technological advances and sustainability practices.

The introduction of a remote work system and the launch of the National Green Certificates Program further highlight the UAE’s efforts to harness global talent and promote sustainable development.