Sheikh Tahnoun: The Visionary Behind Abu Dhabi's AI Ambitions
For a brief period in the mid-2000s, Abu Dhabi housed what was regarded as the world's top chess player. This formidable opponent was not a person but a computer system known as Hydra. Hydra represented a cutting-edge leap in artificial intelligence, built with industrial-grade processors and specialized chips connected via fiber-optic cables, creating a supercomputer in every respect.
When artificial intelligence was still finding its feet against human competition in the domain of chess, Hydra's prowess earned legendary status. The New Yorker detailed Hydra's achievements in a lengthy article that praised its creative capabilities, while WIRED called it a "fearsome" entity. Chess commentators often described Hydra's victories with vivid imagery, likening its dominance to a monstrous force effortlessly outmaneuvering grandmasters.
Despite its might, Hydra was shrouded in mystery and only accessible to a select few. Unlike other chess engines available for public use on common PCs, Hydra's 32-processor cluster was exclusive, reserved for a lone user at a time. By 2005, even its developers struggled for access due to the schedule of the man who funded the project — Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al Nahyan, an avid chess enthusiast.
Tahnoun, operating under the online alias zor_champ, preferred playing as part of a human-computer team, often obliterating opponents in online chess tournaments. "He loved the power of man plus machine," an engineer remarked, highlighting Tahnoun's passion for winning.
As technology evolved, Hydra was eventually surpassed and discontinued in the late 2000s, but Tahnoun's influence only grew. He emerged as a pivotal figure on the global stage, his strategic ambitions extending far beyond the chessboard. Currently, Tahnoun serves as the United Arab Emirates' national security adviser, making him one of the most powerful and enigmatic figures in the Middle East. Renowned for his almost ubiquitous dark sunglasses, Tahnoun also stands out due to his vast control over Abu Dhabi's significant sovereign wealth, estimated to be around $1.5 trillion, more than almost anyone else globally.
Tahnoun's lifestyle reflects a blend of traditional royal tastes and modern technological interests. He leads G42, a tech conglomerate influential in AI research and biotechnology, also reputed for its expertise in hacking and surveillance technology. His personal interests include Brazilian jiujitsu and cycling, and he often engages with UFC champions and martial arts fighters.
Meetings with Tahnoun are no casual affair. Those seeking his audience might find themselves having to cycle around his private velodrome, as reported by a security consultant. Known for his health consciousness and futuristic mindset, Tahnoun has been reported to invite longevity expert Peter Attia for advice, and even motivated Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman to pursue a healthier lifestyle in a quest for longevity.