Jay-Z Meets UAE Power Broker Sheikh Tahnoon to Talk Music, Money & AI

In a high-profile meeting in Abu Dhabi, hip-hop mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter sat down with Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser of the United Arab Emirates, to discuss the intersection of music, technology, and artificial intelligence — signaling a new global alliance between entertainment and innovation.

The gathering also included Jay Brown (Vice Chairman of Roc Nation) and Elbert O’Neal Robinson Jr. (CEO of MarcyPen Capital Partners).
Together, they explored the future of the entertainment industry, AI’s integration into creative sectors, and how Abu Dhabi aims to evolve into a service-led economy powered by advanced tech.

Sheikh Tahnoon’s Statement

On Wednesday (October 15), Sheikh Tahnoon shared a detailed statement on X (formerly Twitter):

“I met with Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter, Chairman of Roc Nation, together with Jay Brown, Vice Chairman, and Elbert O’Neal Robinson Jr., CEO of MarcyPen Capital Partners, where we discussed the future of the entertainment industry and the technological transformations driven by artificial intelligence in this vital field, as well as the importance of balancing innovation with data protection and the rights of creators.”

He continued:

“We also discussed Abu Dhabi’s efforts to transform into a service-led economy powered by AI and advanced technology, further strengthening the emirate’s position as a leading global destination for culture, creativity, tourism, and entertainment.”

The remarks highlight the UAE’s growing ambition to position itself as the creative and technological capital of the Middle East — with Sheikh Tahnoon at the center of that transformation.

 A $1.5 Trillion Power Network

Beyond politics, Sheikh Tahnoon presides over one of the most vast and complex business empires in the world, controlling an estimated $1.5 trillion in state assets, sovereign funds, and private ventures.

He oversees:

• G42, the UAE’s flagship artificial intelligence firm.

• MGX, a global investment vehicle tied to AI and data infrastructure.

• International Holding Company (IHC), one of the world’s largest and most diversified conglomerates.

• The Royal Group, with holdings in real estate, media, manufacturing, tech, and logistics.

His influence extends into nearly every strategic pillar of Abu Dhabi’s economic modernization — including technology, energy, defense, and cultural diplomacy.

Global AI Collaboration

In a separate tweet, Sheikh Tahnoon also met with Dr. Roman Yampolskiy, Director of the Cyber Security Lab at the University of Louisville, to discuss AI ethics, system evolution, and safety frameworks.

“Scientific dialogue and the exchange of ideas with leading international experts serve as a strategic foundation for shaping deeper insights into the future of AI,” he wrote.
“These efforts support the UAE’s vision to build safe and trusted AI ecosystems that balance innovation with governance through global collaboration.”

 From Brooklyn to Abu Dhabi

Jay-Z’s meeting comes weeks after his $5.4 billion Times Square casino project — backed by Caesars Entertainment, Roc Nation, SL Green Realty, and Live Nation — was rejected after a 4–2 vote by the Community Advisory Committee (CAC).

The Roc Nation founder has long balanced art and enterprise, but his sit-down with Sheikh Tahnoon may be a mark for new levels of influence outside the US.