Hussain Sajwani, a prominent Dubai-based real estate tycoon, made headlines when he joined President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago to announce a monumental $20 billion investment in U.S. data centers. The pledge marks a new chapter in Sajwani's long-standing relationship with Trump and underscores his ambition to expand into the high-demand tech industry, including cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI).

A Decade-Long Partnership with Trump

Sajwani’s company, DAMAC Properties, has been a major contributor to Trump’s real estate ventures in the Middle East for over a decade. Known for luxurious developments, DAMAC’s partnership with the Trump Organization began in 2013 with the creation of the first Trump-branded golf course in the region. The Trump International Golf Club, which opened in 2017, became the centerpiece of DAMAC Hills, a gated community featuring high-end homes priced up to $4 million.

Under licensing deals, DAMAC has paid Trump millions in royalties and management fees. However, the collaboration has also raised questions about potential conflicts of interest as Trump prepares for a return to the White House.

Sajwani’s Rise in Real Estate

Dubbed the “Donald of Dubai,” Sajwani built his empire from the ground up. Starting in the mid-1990s, DAMAC capitalized on Dubai’s decision to allow foreigners to purchase property. By 2002, Sajwani launched DAMAC Properties to focus on luxury waterfront developments. His properties have featured branding partnerships with iconic fashion houses like Versace and Fendi, further cementing his reputation for opulence.

While DAMAC’s success has been remarkable, the company has faced challenges, including legal disputes over delayed projects and conflicts related to investments in Egypt. Despite these setbacks, Sajwani’s portfolio today includes luxury villas, apartments, and hotels across regions spanning Saudi Arabia to London. The company claims to have delivered 47,000 homes, with another 33,000 in development.

Expanding Horizons: DAMAC’s Entry into U.S. Data Centers

Sajwani’s recent announcement signals a strategic shift as DAMAC ventures into the burgeoning data center market. In 2021, DAMAC established a subsidiary, Edgnex Data Centres, to meet global demand for digital infrastructure. Edgnex has rapidly expanded across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, positioning itself as a key player in regions like Saudi Arabia, which is actively investing in AI technologies.

The U.S. market has long been missing from Edgnex’s portfolio—until now. Sajwani’s $20 billion commitment will fund data centers in eight states, including Texas and Indiana, aiming to rival infrastructure projects by tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. Trump has pledged to streamline federal approvals for DAMAC and other companies investing over $1 billion, potentially accelerating Edgnex’s ambitious plans.

The Sajwani-Trump alliance extends beyond business. Sajwani was a frequent guest at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago events during his first term, and his ties to the Trump family have deepened over time. In 2018, Trump’s sons Donald Jr. and Eric attended Sajwani’s daughter’s wedding, further solidifying their connection.

While critics point to ethical concerns about Trump maintaining business ties as he enters a second term, Sajwani views the partnership as an opportunity to grow his influence globally. “With his leadership and open strategy, we’re very excited to expand our business in the U.S.,” Sajwani remarked during the Mar-a-Lago announcement.

As Sajwani navigates this new venture, the spotlight remains on how DAMAC’s data center ambitions will reshape the digital landscape in the U.S. For Sajwani, the $20 billion pledge is more than just an investment--it’s a testament to his vision of creating a global legacy that blends real estate with cutting-edge technology.