TSMC and Samsung in Talks to Build $100 Billion Chip Factories in the UAE: Report

TSMC and Samsung are reportedly in early discussions to establish chip manufacturing facilities in the United Arab Emirates. According to the Wall Street Journal, these potential projects, valued at over $100 billion, could significantly boost global chip production and enhance the region’s tech landscape.

TSMC and Samsung Discuss Building Advanced Chip Plants in UAE, No Confirmed Plans Yet

The Wall Street Journal reported on September 22 that TSMC and Samsung Electronics, two of the world's largest chipmakers, have engaged in discussions regarding developing potential chip projects in the United Arab Emirates in the future years. These projects have the potential to be worth over $100 billion.

The WSJ reported that TSMC's top executives recently visited the UAE and discussed developing a plant complex comparable to the company's most advanced and expansive facilities in Taiwan. This information was sourced from individuals familiar with the interactions.

According to the paper, Samsung Electronics, a company that manufactures memory chips, smartphones, and televisions in South Korea, is also contemplating establishing substantial new chip-making operations in the country.

According to Reuters, TSMC had no new investment plans to disclose.

"We are always open to constructive discussion on ways to promote development of the semiconductor industry, but we remain focused on our current global expansion projects and have no new investment plans to disclose at this time," it said in a statement on Monday, without elaborating.

Samsung declined to respond to the Wall Street Journal report.

Samsung Explores UAE Chip Projects with Mubadala’s Backing, But Early Discussions Face Challenges

According to WSJ, senior figures at Samsung Electronics discussed the concept during a recent visit to the UAE. The discussions are still early and may encounter technical and other obstacles.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the UAE would provide funding for the initiatives, with Mubadala, a sovereign development vehicle based in Abu Dhabi, playing a central role.

The paper further stated that the overarching objective would be to augment global chip production and reduce prices without compromising chip manufacturers' profitability.

Washington has grown increasingly apprehensive about the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries serving as a conduit for advanced U.S. AI technology to reach China as tech transactions in the region accelerate.