US-Israel Strikes on Iran Put Trump's Multi-Billion Dollar Gulf Real Estate Empire at Risk

The footprint of Donald Trump’s business interests across the Gulf has expanded with remarkable speed over the last decade, evolving into a sophisticated network of hotels, golf resorts, and high-end residential towers.

These ventures, which span the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman, typically operate under branding and licensing agreements with the Trump Organization rather than through direct ownership by the US president.

As regional developers provide the capital and construction, the Trump brand provides the prestige, creating a unique intersection of private enterprise and international diplomacy.

Where Did Trump's Gulf Real Estate Story Begin?

The foundation of this regional strategy was laid in February 2017 with the opening of the Trump International Golf Club Dubai.

Developed in partnership with the Emirati firm DAMAC Properties, the club currently stands as the only fully operational Trump-branded asset in the Middle East.

This success followed a significant earlier setback when a high-profile Trump Tower project slated for the Palm Jumeirah in 2005 was ultimately scrapped in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis.

Current Developments in the Dubai Skyline

In April 2025, the Trump Organization signaled its continued commitment to the region by announcing an ambitious 80-storey Trump International Hotel and Tower on Dubai’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Road.

This project is being brought to life alongside Dar Global, which serves as the international development arm of the Saudi-based Dar Al Arkan.

With an estimated gross development value of $1 billion, the tower is scheduled for completion by December 2031, and Eric Trump has suggested that the project may embrace modern finance by accepting cryptocurrency payments like Bitcoin.

What New Saudi Arabia Deals Were Announced in January 2026?

In January 2026, the Trump Organization and Dar Global launched Trump Plaza Jeddah, a mixed-use project valued at over $1 billion, and the Trump International Golf Club Wadi Safar in Diriyah, a golf and residential development valued at about $7 billion.

With these latest additions, there are now at least three confirmed projects in the Kingdom, including the $531 million Trump Tower Jeddah announced in 2024.

According to Reuters, the two deals push the total value of Trump Saudi Arabia real estate deals well above $10 billion.

According to CREW, Saudi Arabia now hosts the largest cluster of Trump-branded developments outside the United States.

What Is the Status of the Oman and Qatar Projects?

Beyond the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the Trump brand is also moving into Oman and Qatar through partnerships with state-linked entities.

In Oman, a Trump hotel is currently under construction as part of the $500 million Aida megaproject near Muscat, a venture co-developed with the state-backed tourism agency Omran that is expected to open in late 2028.

In Qatar, a $5.5 billion golf and beach resort in Simaisma is being developed with Qatari Diar, the real estate arm of Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, as per NBC News.

What Do US-Israel Strikes on Iran Mean for These Projects?

The viability of these multi-billion dollar projects is currently facing an unprecedented test following the US-Israel strikes on Iran that took place on 28 February 2026.

These military actions have resulted in the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping, as the IRGC has issued stern warnings to vessels and tankers remaining stranded.

Because the strait directly borders Oman, where construction is active, the escalating instability is placing significant pressure on investor confidence, tourism pipelines, and the feasibility of construction timelines across the entire Gulf portfolio.

What Is the Crypto Dimension of Trump's Gulf Business?

Four days before Trump's inauguration in January 2025, a firm tied to Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's national security adviser, purchased a 49 percent stake in World Liberty Financial, the Trump family's crypto venture, for $500 million, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Months later, the Trump administration approved the sale of advanced AI chips to a UAE-linked company, reversing prior national security objections.

What Do Critics Say About the Conflict of Interest?

Meghan Faulkner of CREW reportedly said the American public should not have to question whether a president is prioritising national interests or personal business.

Several Gulf states hosting Trump Gulf real estate projects are simultaneously engaged in sensitive diplomatic negotiations with Washington.

With US-Israel strikes on Iran now reshaping the region, the overlap between Trump Middle East business ties and US foreign policy is drawing intense and unavoidable scrutiny.

(With inputs from ANI)