- David Sacks and Sheikh Tahnoon discuss strengthening U.S.-UAE tech ties, focusing on AI, cryptocurrency, and investment opportunities.
- MGX’s $2 billion Binance investment and $7 billion commitment to the Stargate project underline the UAE’s growing tech influence.
David Sacks, the U.S. Special Advisor on AI and Crypto, met with Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi investment firm MGX. The conversation focused on strengthening technological partnerships between the U.S. and the UAE, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrency, and investment opportunities.
Sheikh Tahnoon is an influential figure in the UAE, known for his role in national security and finance. In addition to his role as the country’s National Security Advisor, he is the chairman of MGX, an investment fund established in 2024. MGX has quickly become a major player in the AI and blockchain sectors, investing in growing technologies and digital currencies.
David Sacks, appointed as the U.S. Special Advisor on AI and Crypto, has a long track record of involvement in the tech sector. His expertise in AI and blockchain technology makes him a key figure in bridging the gap between the U.S. and international partners in the context of technological advancement and investment.
Key Discussion Points Between Sacks and Sheikh Tahnoon
According to Sheikh Tahnoon’s social media post on X (formerly Twitter), the discussions with David Sacks centered around AI’s transformative potential across industries and the expanding role of digital currencies in reshaping global financial systems.
I explored with @davidsacks47 , the Special Advisor on AI and Crypto, the transformative effects of artificial intelligence across various sectors, the expanding role of digital currencies in reshaping financial systems, and the investment opportunities emerging at their… pic.twitter.com/BXz5ZTl5FV
— Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (@hhtbzayed) March 20, 2025
Sacks and Sheikh Tahnoon also explored the growing investment opportunities emerging at the intersection of AI and cryptocurrency. The conversation set the stage for future collaborations that could impact both countries’ technological landscapes.
This meeting came just a week after MGX’s $2 billion investment in Binance. MGX made this investment using stablecoins, setting a record for the largest crypto-based investment transaction to date.
The Growing Influence of MGX and UAE’s Investment Strategies
Under Sheikh Tahnoon’s leadership, MGX has expanded its position in the AI space, securing major investments in various sectors. Sources report that MGX is set to receive over $50 billion from Sheikh Tahnoon’s assets and other Abu Dhabi-backed funds. These investments are not just limited to cryptocurrency; MGX also backs AI projects, including OpenAI, xAI, and Amazon-backed Anthropic.
MGX’s investments are part of the UAE’s broader strategy to position itself as a global leader in technology and innovation.
Just days before the meeting, Sheikh Tahnoon dined with U.S. President Trump at the White House to discuss deepening cooperation in technology and investment. Reports indicate discussions included the U.S. restricting computer chip exports and the UAE’s plans to build tech infrastructure on U.S. soil.
MGX is also a key investor in the Stargate project, a massive $500 billion initiative focused on building AI data centers across the U.S. With a planned $7 billion investment; the project highlights the UAE’s increasing commitment to shaping the future of AI and digital infrastructure.