Major Investment in U.S. Data Centers
President-elect Donald Trump has announced a significant $20 billion investment in U.S. data centers by Emirati businessman Hussain Sajwani, a billionaire and close Trump associate. Sajwani, who leads DAMAC Properties, revealed this commitment during a joint news conference with Trump. The move follows other high-profile investments, including a $100 billion pledge from Japanese billionaire Masayoshi Son last month. Trump attributed the investment to his election victory, suggesting it had inspired confidence among global investors. Sajwani echoed similar sentiments, expressing his excitement about Trump’s presidency and its potential to drive economic growth.
The $20 billion will contribute to the ongoing surge in constructing data centers, which are increasingly critical for powering artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency development, and the broader digital economy. Sajwani’s investment reflects a growing trend among wealthy international investors capitalizing on the booming U.S. tech infrastructure market. According to Blackstone, the U.S. is expected to attract $1 trillion in data center investments over the next five years, making Sajwani’s commitment a small but noteworthy contribution.
DAMAC’s Growing Footprint and Trump Ties
Emirati businessman Hussain Sajwani, under his leadership at DAMAC Properties, has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Trump Organization. The company previously developed the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai, paying substantial licensing fees to the Trump Organization. Although additional plans for a Trump-branded golf course were shelved, DAMAC remains a prominent player in global real estate, with ongoing projects in regions like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Spain.
This latest investment marks DAMAC’s first venture into U.S.-based data centers, expanding its EDGNEX portfolio beyond the Middle East and Asia. Sajwani’s commitment highlights the growing collaboration between international developers and U.S. markets, with Trump positioning himself as a key facilitator of these deals. However, critics note the potential for wealthy investors close to Trump to benefit financially from these relationships.
Broader Context of Trump’s Business Connections
Sajwani’s association with Trump extends beyond business deals. Since Trump’s re-election, the billionaire has been spotted at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and appeared alongside notable figures like Elon Musk at a New Year’s Eve celebration. These appearances underline the close ties between the two businessmen.
Meanwhile, the Trump Organization continues to expand its international real estate ventures. Current projects include a Trump-branded golf course in Oman and developments in Saudi Arabia. Plans for a Trump Tower in Dubai are also under discussion, though earlier proposals for a tower on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah collapsed during the 2008 financial crisis.
Emirati businessman Hussain Sajwani has publicly credited Trump’s initial election in 2016 for boosting his company’s profile, further cementing their partnership. This latest investment underscores their ongoing collaboration, blending politics, business, and international development.
