OpenAI Seeks $50 Billion-Plus from Middle East Funds, Targets $750 Billion Valuation

OpenAI is negotiating with Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds to raise over $50 billion in a new funding round that would value the artificial intelligence company at approximately $750 billion to $830 billion, according to sources. CEO Sam Altman traveled to the United Arab Emirates for discussions, with the financing targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2026. The ChatGPT maker is also in separate talks with Amazon (AMZN-US) to secure at least $10 billion, Bloomberg reported. The negotiations remain in early stages and terms may change. OpenAI declined to comment. The funding pursuit follows a $40 billion investment led by SoftBank Group last year and a $6.6 billion employee stock sale in October 2025 that valued the company at $500 billion. OpenAI has committed to spending more than $1.4 trillion on AI infrastructure in the coming years. The company faces intensifying competition from Google (GOOGL-US) and Anthropic, which is reportedly seeking funding at a $350 billion valuation.