In a significant move that could reshape America’s technological landscape, UAE billionaire Hussain Sajwani has committed to investing $20 billion in U.S. data centers. Former President Donald Trump announced the partnership on Tuesday at a press conference held at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The investment highlights Sajwani’s confidence in the U.S. tech industry and underscores his longstanding ties with Trump.
“This investment will support massive new data centers across the Midwest, the Sun Belt area, and also to keep America on the cutting edge of technology and artificial intelligence,” Trump stated during the announcement.
Powering AI and Tech Innovation
Data centers, the backbone of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, are critical in today’s tech-driven world. These facilities store and process the vast amounts of data required for advanced computing and generative AI systems. Sajwani’s significant contribution is poised to bolster this growing sector, further solidifying the U.S. as a global leader in technology.
Sajwani, the founder of Dubai-based Damac Properties, hinted at even greater ambitions, saying, “I hope to invest even more than $20 billion if the opportunity, the market, allow[s] us.”
Targeting Strategic States
The initial phase of the investment will target key states, including Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Texas. These locations are set to benefit from increased infrastructure development and job creation, positioning them as hubs for tech innovation.
Sajwani expressed his enthusiasm for Trump’s return to the political arena, calling his election “amazing news for me and my family.” He later posted on social media that it was an “honor” to collaborate with Trump on their “shared dedication to innovation.”
A Billionaire’s Vision
At 71, Sajwani boasts a net worth of $5.1 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the UAE. However, details on how he plans to finance this massive project remain unclear. His real estate firm, Damac, has recently shifted focus toward data center projects, allocating billions globally, including $3 billion in Southeast Asia and $400 million in Spain.
Sajwani’s partnership with Trump is not new. Their collaboration dates back to Trump’s first presidential term when Damac developed the Trump-branded golf course in Dubai, which opened in 2017. Their business relationship faced criticism for blending international ventures with Trump’s political role.
A Familiar Setting
Sajwani celebrated New Year’s Eve at Mar-a-Lago, continuing a tradition of high-profile gatherings with Trump. He shared a photo featuring himself alongside Trump and Elon Musk, highlighting his connections to influential figures in business and politics.
عامٌ جديد وبدايةٌ جديدة برفقة الرئيس الأمريكي دونالد ترامب وايلون ماسك في مارالاغو. pic.twitter.com/VXxmzl0ioL
— Hussain Sajwani (@HussainSajwani) January 1, 2025
“For the people who play golf, they understand that Trump delivers the highest quality of golf courses,” Sajwani said in a 2017 Forbes interview. While not an avid golfer himself, Sajwani noted he had only recently taken up the sport at the time.
A Shared Dedication
This announcement follows Trump’s recent press event with Japanese billionaire Masayoshi Son, who committed $100 billion to U.S. ventures, primarily in AI. Together, these investments signal a growing focus on solidifying America’s position in the global tech race.
Sajwani’s $20 billion pledge is a testament to his belief in the potential of the U.S. market and his enduring relationship with Trump. As data centers rise across the nation, this partnership promises to leave a lasting impact on the American tech industry.
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