Abu Dhabi’s ‘Man in Manhattan’ Is Key to Unlocking Trump Wins

In the tight-knit world of the Abu Dhabi royals, an 83-year-old property lawyer wields unique influence. The fruits of his work supporting the emirate’s ambitions on artificial intelligence and foreign deals were on full display as the Emiratis played host to one of his long-time associates: US President Donald Trump.

Marty Edelman is a rarity in the Middle Eastern city: An outsider among an upper echelon dominated by senior members of the wealthy and powerful Al Nahyan family. Equally at ease in an international board room and an Emirati majlis, the New Yorker has earned the moniker “Abu Dhabi’s ...