Trump announces $20B investment by Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, boosting AI and crypto growth

President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a $20 billion investment in US-based data centers by Hussain Sajwani, the billionaire founder of DAMAC Properties and a close business associate of the Trump family.

The investment is aimed at supporting advancements in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and other sectors driving the digital economy.

Trump announced at a press conference, emphasizing his ability to attract substantial investments into the United States.

"Sajwani was inspired by the election results and made this commitment because of it," Trump stated, adding that his administration would streamline regulatory approvals for large-scale investments.

Hussain Sajwani’s expanding global portfolio

DAMAC Properties, a leading private developer in the UAE, is known for its luxury real estate projects, including the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai.

Sajwani's $20 billion commitment marks his company's first venture into US-based data centers, a sector projected to see $1 trillion in domestic investment over the next five years.

The planned data centers will complement DAMAC's existing EDGNEX portfolio, which includes facilities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Spain.

This investment highlights Sajwani's strategic shift toward digital infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in AI, blockchain, and cloud computing.

Trump-Sajwani relationship under the spotlight

Sajwani’s close ties with Trump have fueled speculation about the role of personal relationships in securing such large-scale deals.

The two have collaborated on numerous projects, including the Trump-branded golf club in Dubai and discussions of a Trump Tower in the UAE.

Although plans for a $2 billion partnership between DAMAC and the Trump Organization after Trump’s first electoral victory did not materialize, Sajwani has publicly credited Trump’s presidency for raising his company’s global profile.

A boost for AI, crypto, and US digital infrastructure

The new data centers will support emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, which require significant processing power.

These facilities are expected to bolster the US's position as a global leader in digital innovation.

Sajwani, who joined Trump at the press conference, said, “Trump’s vision for the US economy aligns with my company’s expansion goals.

This partnership represents a significant milestone for DAMAC Properties and our entry into the U.S. technology sector.”

The announcement comes amid DAMAC’s broader global ambitions.

Recent ventures include a Trump-branded golf course in Oman and potential developments in Saudi Arabia.

A Trump Tower in Dubai is also under consideration, signaling continued collaboration between the Trump Organization and DAMAC.