Is ChatGPT Plus really free for everyone in Dubai? That rumor has been making the rounds on social media, but it’s time to break it down and get the facts straight.
The confusion began after OpenAI announced a high-profile partnership with the United Arab Emirates in May 2025. One major part of that agreement was the creation of “Stargate”, a massive AI data center based in Abu Dhabi. The project’s focus is to bring artificial intelligence to national sectors like healthcare, education, and energy. From there, speculation took off.
The phrase “nationwide access to ChatGPT” was quickly misunderstood. Some interpreted it to mean that everyone living in Dubai would automatically get a free ChatGPT Plus subscription. That’s simply not true. Neither OpenAI nor UAE officials ever stated anything like that.
The reality is, ChatGPT Plus is still a paid service. As of today, it costs around $20 per month, even in the UAE. The actual announcement referred to a strategic integration of ChatGPT in national systems not free individual access for residents. This initiative targets government agencies, institutions, and public infrastructure, not personal subscriptions.
The misunderstanding went viral thanks to memes, TikToks, and Reddit threads. One post showed a cat in traditional Arab clothing with the text “MY VPN,” joking that changing your location would unlock free access. It got laughs, but it wasn’t based on reality.
Unless OpenAI issues a formal update, ChatGPT Plus remains a paid product Dubai included. The UAE may be leading in AI adoption, but that doesn’t mean free giveaways for the entire population.
So, if you’re counting on a VPN to get around the paywall, don’t. The tech world moves fast, but not every headline you see is accurate. Rely on credible sources, not viral jokes.
