At a press conference at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Hussain Sajwani, the chairman of DAMAC Properties, unveiled plans to invest $20 billion in building state-of-the-art data centers across key U.S. states, including Arizona, Texas, and Michigan. The investment aims to bolster the U.S.’s capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology infrastructure.
Scope of Investment
The $20 billion investment will focus on constructing massive data centers to support the growing demand for advanced technology such as AI. Sajwani, 71, stated that the contribution could surpass $20 billion depending on market conditions. The initial phase of the investment will target the Midwest and Sun Belt regions, with facilities designed to store and process critical data necessary for technological advancement.
Trump-Sajwani Partnership
President-elect Donald Trump, who introduced Sajwani at the press conference, emphasized the significance of the partnership, describing the businessman as “one of the most respected leaders in the Middle East and the world.” This announcement solidifies the long-standing relationship between Trump and Sajwani. DAMAC Properties, under Sajwani’s leadership, was responsible for developing the Trump-branded golf course in Dubai, further cementing their business ties.
Global Data Center Expansion
Sajwani’s commitment to data center investments extends beyond the U.S. DAMAC Properties has already invested heavily in global data center projects, including a $3 billion commitment to Southeast Asia and over $400 million in Spain. This international expansion reflects Sajwani’s vision for a global network of high-tech facilities to support the digital economy.
Sajwani’s Business Background
Hussain Sajwani founded DAMAC Properties in 2002, establishing the company as a leading player in the luxury real estate market in Dubai and beyond. His association with Trump began in 2016 when he attended a New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago. The two later collaborated on the Trump-branded golf course in Dubai, though the relationship sparked criticism over Trump’s international business dealings during his presidency.
Sajwani’s Views on Golf and Business
Sajwani has previously spoken highly of Trump’s business acumen. In a 2017 interview with Forbes, he said, “For people who play golf, they understand that Trump delivers the highest quality of golf courses.” This sentiment reflects the strong business rapport shared by the two, particularly in luxury real estate and leisure ventures.
Conclusion and Future Impact
Sajwani’s $20 billion investment aligns with the growing global focus on data centers, a crucial component for the continued development of AI and technology infrastructure. By joining a wave of major investors like Microsoft, which recently committed $80 billion to AI infrastructure, Sajwani underscores the strategic importance of data centers in driving technological growth and global competitiveness.
This investment also marks a milestone in the U.S.-Middle East business ties, with Sajwani’s role as a key player in shaping the future of AI and technology. As more tech giants invest in data centers, the race for digital dominance intensifies, and Sajwani’s contribution may become a major part of the landscape for years to come.
