Tahnoon bin Zayed Named in TIME100 AI 2025 List of Global Influencers

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been named in the TIME100 AI 2025 list for his influence in artificial intelligence and cloud computing. He leads G42's global AI initiatives and oversees significant projects like a $1.4 trillion US AI infrastructure commitment.

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, UAE’s National Security Adviser, and Chairman of G42, has been featured in the prestigious TIME100 AI 2025 list. The recognition places him among the most influential leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence worldwide.

TIME acknowledged Sheikh Tahnoon’s pivotal role in advancing AI, cloud computing, and data infrastructure. The magazine highlighted G42’s global AI supercomputing portfolio, built through strategic partnerships with Microsoft and Cerebras Systems.

UAE’s AI and Data Centre Ambitions

TIME cited Sheikh Tahnoon’s leadership in spearheading major initiatives, including the UAE’s $1.4 trillion commitment to American AI infrastructure, announced after his meeting with US President Donald Trump earlier this year. The agreement also paved the way for easing trade restrictions between the US and the Middle East.

Another landmark project under Sheikh Tahnoon’s leadership is the upcoming 5 GW data centre campus in Abu Dhabi, projected to be the world’s largest AI infrastructure hub outside the United States.

TIME100 AI 2025: Global Leaders in Technology

The TIME100 AI 2025 list, unveiled on Thursday, recognizes the 100 most influential people in AI across four categories — Leaders, Innovators, Shapers, and Thinkers. Sheikh Tahnoon was honored in the Shapers category, alongside global AI pioneers such as Stuart Russell, Fei-Fei Li, and Henna Virkkunen.

Other notable names featured include Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Jensen Huang, Matthew Prince, and Fidji Simo. Innovators like Refik Anadol and Alex Blania also made the list, while renowned AI thinkers such as Yoshua Bengio and Jeffrey Dean were recognized for their contributions.

TIME editors spent months evaluating candidates, consulting industry leaders, and drawing insights from global experts to curate the 2025 list.