Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a prominent figure in the UAE, serving as the Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and chairman of multiple influential financial and investment institutions. He leads MGX, an investment firm that was highlighted by former U.S. President Donald Trump in January as part of a massive $500 billion AI infrastructure investment. Sheikh Tahnoon also chairs G42, a leading AI company in the UAE, as well as the private investment giant Royal Group and First Abu Dhabi Bank, according to Bloomberg.
Earlier this week, Sheikh Tahnoon confirmed that he met with Trump to explore opportunities to strengthen the UAE-U.S. strategic partnership. The discussion revolved around expanding economic ties, with a focus on investments in artificial intelligence, technology, infrastructure, and healthcare. He also engaged with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss financial cooperation and met with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz to address broader economic and security-related matters.
Trump’s Connections to the UAE
Trump’s association with UAE officials dates back to his presidency, with early engagements including a notable partnership with Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani. Sajwani, whose company Damac developed the Trump-branded golf course in Dubai, attended a 2016 New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago. The golf course, which opened in February 2017, faced scrutiny due to Trump’s international business dealings while in office. 
At the opening ceremony, Eric Trump praised Sajwani as a “great friend,” while Donald Trump Jr. commended Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, for fostering an environment conducive to large-scale developments, calling it a “great example of what can be built here,” as reported by The New York Times.
Jared Kushner’s Business Ties with the UAE
Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former White House advisor, has also maintained financial connections with the UAE. Reports indicate that Emirati sovereign wealth funds invested over $200 million into Kushner’s private equity firm, Affinity Partners, which he established after Trump left office in 2021. These investments reportedly stemmed from relationships Kushner forged during his tenure as a senior adviser to Trump.
In a December 2024 podcast, Kushner defended the investments, stating that his firm took measures to avoid conflicts of interest. He emphasized that he had made it clear to Emirati investors in 2021 that they should “not expect anything from me” if Trump were to return to office, underscoring his commitment to ethical business practices.
