Trump-Backed UAE Deal to Build Giant AI Campus

Trump’s AI Play Moves to the Middle East

In a surprise international tech pivot, former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly backed a deal with UAE firm G42 to establish the largest artificial intelligence campus outside of the United States. The project, set to begin construction in Abu Dhabi by the end of 2024, aims to become a central hub for global AI research, talent development, and enterprise collaboration. While financial details remain undisclosed, this move signifies a dramatic expansion of American AI influence overseas, further embedding U.S. tech partnerships within the Gulf region. The agreement could also signal Trump’s increasing engagement with global tech infrastructure through private alliances, even as regulation and competition intensify back home.

A Campus Designed for AI Supremacy

The campus, described by insiders as an “AI-centric ecosystem,” will reportedly host startups, academic researchers, and major corporate players under one roof. With a mission to foster AI innovation in areas like robotics, large language models, and quantum computing, the initiative aligns with the UAE’s ambitions to become a leader in emerging technologies. However, Trump’s involvement raises geopolitical eyebrows, especially given G42’s previous ties to Chinese firms—relationships the company says it has now severed. As the world races to secure strategic AI capability, this deal propels the Middle East further into the global arena, while reopening debates over tech diplomacy, data sovereignty, and ethical development.