Damac’s Sajwani calling banks to keep $20B promise to Trump

After pledging $20 billion to build data centers in the U.S. while sharing the Mar-a-Lago podium with President-elect Donald Trump, Damac Group CEO Hussain Sajwani needs to deliver.

In a television interview with Bloomberg today, the billionaire property developer said that level of investment will require close involvement with banks and other financial institutions.

“This is an asset-based business. With infrastructure, normally you borrow 60% to 70% from the banks or financial institutions, or bonds – leverage,” he said.

“Damac Properties will be able to put the equity, which will be in the range of the other 30%, which will be around $5 to $6 billion.”

UAE leader heads home from U.S. carrying economic dividends

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed wrapped up his U.S. tour with a stop at former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. He also met with former President George W. Bush in Texas and held a phone conversation with former President Bill Clinton before flying home to Abu Dhabi.

The centerpiece of the U.S. visit was a visit to the White House at the beginning of the week after which the Emirati leader and President Joe Biden issued a 3,900-word joint statement outlining the relationship of the two countries as “dynamic strategic partners.”

Focused in large part on the U.S.-Emirati economic alliance, the statement took note of the $1.5 billion artificial intelligence investment deal between Microsoft and the UAE’s Group 42, as emblematic of the growing technology cooperation between the two countries.

The two leaders “underscored that this transformative partnership has the potential to usher in a new era of international connectivity to facilitate global trade, expand reliable access to electricity, facilitate clean energy distribution, and strengthen telecommunication,” the joint statement said.

Biden and Sheikh Mohammed “emphasized the importance of joint initiatives to promote a circular economy, reduce waste, facilitate recycling, and advance sustainable practices, underscoring their commitment to innovation for resource efficiency and environmentally responsible growth,” the statement said.

The statement also called attention to promising regional initiatives including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor that will seek to connect India to Europe with ship-to-rail connections through the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Greece.

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🗓️ Ahead on The Circuit

Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Dubai, UAE: Future Hospitality Summit. The global conference for leaders in the hospitality industry expands this year at a new location with dedicated space for ESG planning, country pavilions and a larger exhibition area. Madinat Jumeirah. 

Oct. 5-6, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Al Abyad Dhow Sailing Race. The race is expected to set off from Abu Al Abyad to the Abu Dhabi Breakwater, attracting dhow owners and elite sailors. Abu Al Abyad Island.

Oct. 14-18, Dubai, UAE: GITEX Global. One of tech’s biggest events, the UAE conference brings companies from around the world to showcase their latest innovations. Dubai World Trade Center.

Oct. 15-17, Dubai, UAE: Aviation Future Week. Conference brings together UAE ministers, senior government officials and leaders from the aviation, aerospace, air freight and other related industries. Museum of the Future.

Oct.22-24, Dubai, UAE: Dubai Helishow. Conference features innovations in hybrid and electric helicopters, AI integration, UAV combat operations, and civil aviation. Skydive Dubai.

Nov. 12-13, Abu Dhabi, UAE: CyberQ: Security in the Quantum Era. Conference brings together international experts, policymakers and industry players to discuss challenges of the quantum age of cybersecurity. ADNEC.