EXCLUSIVE: Abu Dhabi Minerals Company in Sheikh Tahnoon's IHC Group Hires Akin to Lobby on 'U.S. Investments'

A metals and minerals trading company that sits inside the business group chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates' national security adviser, has hired one of Washington's biggest law and lobbying firms to lobby on "U.S. investments," according to a federal lobbying filing reviewed by The Digital Free Press.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld registered on Monday, Oct. 19, to lobby for IRH Global Trading Ltd., which lists an address in Al Khatem Tower on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. The filing describes the client as a "metal and minerals company" and gives Aug. 15, 2026, as the date the work began. Its one listed issue, under the trade category, is "Issues related to U.S. Investments." The filing does not say which investments, and registrations do not have to disclose fees.

Who Owns IRH Global Trading

The filing lists four foreign entities in the client's ownership chain, all in Abu Dhabi: International Resources Holding and 2PointZero Group PJSC, each listed at 100%; International Holding Company, listed at 58%; and IHC Capital Holding LLC, listed at 41%.

International Holding Company, known as IHC, says on its website that International Resources Holding "is an IHC Group company through 2PointZero." The same website identifies Sheikh Tahnoon as "Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, UAE National Security Adviser and Chairman of IHC."

International Resources Holding, known as IRH, describes itself as an Abu Dhabi-based natural resources investment platform. In April, it announced a 20-year deal to buy 1 million tonnes a year of liquefied natural gas from the AMIGO LNG export project in Sonora, Mexico. IHC says IRH also agreed this year with India's Adani Group to form a joint venture for a $11.5 billion aluminum project in Odisha, India.

The Lobbyists Akin Named

Akin names three lobbyists: Geoff Verhoff, listed as a former press aide to then-Sen. William Roth of Delaware and to the Senate Finance Committee; Christopher Treanor, listed as a former policy analyst for the House Energy and Commerce Committee; and Truman Reed, listed as a former deputy chief of staff and legislative director to Rep. Monica De La Cruz.

The filing does not say whether Sheikh Tahnoon or IHC's leadership played any role in hiring Akin.

The Digital Free Press found no news coverage of the IRH registration before publication beyond a one-line listing of new registrations in a trade newsletter.

The Digital Free Press reached out to Akin and to International Resources Holding for comment on Oct. 23; no response was received by publication.

Hold Everyone Accountable.

Sources: Lobbying registration, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld for IRH Global Trading Ltd. (posted Oct. 19, 2026): https://lda.senate.gov/filings/public/filing/4d09fcb7-2720-4169-9112-c1f73e616a49/print/ ; International Holding Company website: https://www.ihcuae.com/ ; International Resources Holding, April 1, 2026: https://www.irh.ae/2pointzeros-irh-secures-20-year-lng-supply-from-mexicos-amigo-lng-project/