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A New Chapter: Ben Locke, Founder, Locke Lifestyle Properties
Entrepreneur.com features an exclusive interview with Ben Locke, sharing his journey in launching Locke Lifestyle Properties in Dubai.
Hussain Sajwani, chairman of DAMAC Properties, has unveiled a $20B investment to develop data centers in partnership with Trump.
The announcement was made in January 2025 alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, further solidifying the growing partnership between Sajwani’s DAMAC group and the Trump Organization.
The investment aims to cater to the rising demand for cutting-edge infrastructure that supports artificial intelligence, cloud services, and data storage—industries that are increasingly pivotal in today's digital economy. While Sajwani has long been known for his real estate ventures, this new direction marks a significant expansion into the high-tech and data-driven sectors.
Sajwani’s $20 billion initiative is poised to play a critical role in strengthening the U.S. data center infrastructure. As artificial intelligence and cloud computing continue to evolve and dominate industries worldwide, the demand for robust and efficient data storage solutions has never been higher. With the investment, Sajwani intends to build state-of-the-art facilities to house the vast amounts of data generated by businesses, governments, and individuals. These data centers will also facilitate a host of other services, including cryptocurrency mining, machine learning, and big data analytics.
Speaking at the announcement, Sajwani expressed his optimism about the opportunity, stating, "We’re planning to invest $20 billion, and potentially even more, if the market offers the right conditions. The U.S. is a key player in the global tech ecosystem, and we want to be part of that transformation."
The $20 billion investment is not the first time Sajwani’s DAMAC Properties has been in the spotlight for collaborations involving the Trump Organization. In the past, the two entities have worked together on the development of luxury real estate, including the Trump International Golf Club in Dubai. This long-standing relationship between Sajwani and Trump has provided a foundation for the latest project, cementing the business ties between the UAE and the U.S.
For Trump, this partnership is a strategic move to capitalize on the growing interest in data infrastructure, aligning with his business interests in the real estate and global development sectors. Although his involvement in the project focuses on helping to facilitate the deal through his network and political experience, it is clear that this investment will have far-reaching implications for both parties.
Data centers have become a cornerstone of modern business operations. From storing critical data to running cloud applications, these facilities are the backbone of everything from e-commerce to artificial intelligence. The demand for faster, more secure, and more scalable data solutions is projected to grow exponentially over the next decade. By making this significant investment, Sajwani and DAMAC are positioning themselves as key players in this essential sector.
The United States, with its established technological dominance and infrastructure, serves as a natural market for this ambitious project. The country’s rapid adoption of AI technologies, coupled with the increasing reliance on cloud services, means that the demand for data centers will continue to surge.
The announcement comes at a time when foreign investments in U.S. infrastructure are at the forefront of international business discussions. Alongside Sajwani's investment, Japanese billionaire Masayoshi Son's pledge of $100 billion for U.S. infrastructure highlights a broader trend of international capital flowing into the American economy. The Middle East, in particular, has played a significant role in this investment surge, with key figures like Sajwani leading the charge in diversifying their business portfolios beyond traditional real estate.
Sajwani’s investment aligns with his broader strategy to diversify his wealth and influence in the global market. By entering the tech infrastructure space, DAMAC Properties is taking a bold step toward becoming more than just a real estate development company. This move positions the firm to be a vital part of the technological evolution that is shaping economies worldwide.
The $20 billion data center project is just the beginning. Sajwani has hinted that this is only the first phase of a broader expansion strategy, with more investments likely to follow as the partnership between DAMAC and Trump deepens. As the U.S. continues to embrace new technologies and innovations, DAMAC’s entry into the data center market could pave the way for further opportunities in related industries, including cybersecurity, renewable energy, and smart city technologies.
In conclusion, the partnership between Hussain Sajwani and Donald Trump on this $20 billion data center investment is a testament to the growing influence of Middle Eastern investors in the global economy. The initiative not only strengthens ties between the UAE and the U.S. but also highlights the pivotal role that infrastructure investments will play in the future of technology. As businesses and governments continue to rely on data-driven solutions, the importance of such strategic investments will only continue to rise.
Entrepreneur.com features an exclusive interview with Ben Locke, sharing his journey in launching Locke Lifestyle Properties in Dubai.
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