Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Secret 49% owner of WLF — UAE National Security Advisor
Secret $500M stake, UAE spy chief, AI chip deal followed
Background
UAE royal family member and National Security Advisor of the UAE, known as 'The Spy Sheikh' for his intelligence role. Purchased 49% of WLF for $500 million via Aryam Investment, signed days before Trump's January 2025 inauguration. $187 million was paid immediately to Trump family entities; at least $31 million went to Witkoff-connected entities. The deal was not disclosed by WLF. Months after this purchase, the Trump administration approved giving the UAE access to 500,000 advanced AI chips per year.
Financial Connections (1)
Purchased secret 49% stake via Aryam Investment
$500MEmployment & Advisory (2)
UAE National Security Advisor, manages UAE's largest wealth fund
Leads MGX, Abu Dhabi state-backed investment company
Sources (2)
Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan acquired 49% of WLF for $500 million