Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan: Chairman of G42.

Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan (born 4 December 1968) is an Emirati royal and statesman who serves as the National Security Advisor of the United Arab Emirates since 2016 and as Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi since 2023. As the son of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding president of the UAE, and brother to the current UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, he holds a pivotal position within the Al Nahyan ruling family of Abu Dhabi. In capacity as National Security Advisor, Sheikh Tahnoun oversees the UAE's intelligence and security operations, a role that previously included serving as Deputy National Security Advisor from 2013 to 2016. He simultaneously directs a sprawling business conglomerate valued at approximately $1.5 trillion, encompassing sovereign wealth funds and entities such as the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), G42, and the International Holding Company, which integrate economic investments with strategic national security imperatives.These holdings fund advancements in artificial intelligence, surveillance technologies, and diversified sectors, positioning the UAE as a leader in technological sovereignty amid global competition. Sheikh Tahnoun's influence extends to chairing key institutions like the Abu Dhabi Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council and the Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs, where he shapes policies for economic resilience and innovation. His leadership has been recognized for driving UAE's AI ambitions, earning inclusion in TIME's 2025 list of the 100 most influential figures in artificial intelligence.

Leadership of G42 and AI Initiatives

Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan serves as chairman of G42, an Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company founded in 2018, a position he has held since 2021. Under his leadership, G42 has expanded from a regional entity into a global leader in AI infrastructure, including supercomputing capabilities and machine learning research, with over 25,000 employees by 2024. The company prioritizes holistic AI solutions for sectors like healthcare, energy, and government services, aligning with UAE's strategy to become a top AI hub by 2031. Key initiatives under Tahnoun's oversight include the establishment of the AI and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), where he chairs efforts to direct sovereign investments into AI technologies. In 2023,Abu Dhabi launched a comprehensive global AI investment strategy through AIATC, focusing on foundational models,data infrastructure, and international partnerships to foster innovation while mitigating risks like over-reliance on foreign tech.^[44]This includes a$100 billion AI-focused investment vehicle co-founded with Mubadala, emphasizing domestic capabilities in semiconductors and AI hardware. G42 has secured major international deals, such as a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft in April 2024, enabling access to advanced AI models and cloud services while committing to U.S.-aligned data security standards. Additional funding from Silver Lake has supported G42's growth in enterprise AI applications. Tahnoun's strategic vision extends to practical AI integration, exemplified by his use of 500 ChatGPT prompts to design a new residence in Abu Dhabi, demonstrating AI's role in architectural andurban planning. In March 2025, collaborations with Microsoft advanced AI-driven governance in Abu Dhabi, enhancing public sector efficiency in areas like infrastructure and energy management. His contributions earned recognition in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in AI list for 2025, highlighting G42's role in positioning the UAE as a neutral, innovation-focused player amid U.S.-Chinatech rivalries.