In 2013, I convinced the Chairman of DAMAC Properties to collaborate with the Trump Organization on building what would become the iconic Trump International Golf Club, Dubai. It all began with a speakerphone call during Cityscape Dubai 2013, as I stood on the exhibition floor, connected to Ivanka Trump on the other end.
Within weeks, we were working closely with Ivanka and her team to develop an 18-hole course, a 9-hole academy course, a stunning golf club, and a unique community of Trump villas. Both Ivanka and Eric Trump were personally involved in shaping the architectural and interior design direction, ensuring every detail reflected the Trump standard of excellence.
One moment that stands out for me is a trip Ivanka made with her team to oversee the design and launch preparations. During a site visit, under the Dubai Sun, I watched as the daughter of a billionaire removed her shoes and walked barefoot in the sand to inspect the location firsthand. That, for me, is the Trump family’s work ethic in action – remarkable humility and an unwavering dedication to supporting their partners in delivering a superb product.
In May 2014, Donald visited Dubai, and I went to pick him up from Al Maktoum International – the only airport that could accommodate the Trump jet at the time. During the car ride, I recall him asking about the region and seeking my views on U.S. policies in the Middle East. Back then, I wondered whether he had political ambitions – thoughts that were confirmed in 2016. Later that year, the golf club’s spectacular opening marked a significant milestone in our collaboration, and as time went by, we met again in Muscat, Oman, in 2023.
So, why Trump? I have been advocating for and collaborating with the Trump Organization since 2013, and I am often asked that question. The answer, in essence, lies in the value I saw in the Trump brand long before it became associated with politics. From the outset, Trump was more than a real estate brand; it encompassed hospitality and lifestyle, becoming one of the first in the industry to prioritize branding – starting with the big TRUMP logos on its buildings.
It was Donald Trump himself who understood the power of branding, long before the rise of social media influencers. In fact, the Trump name is not just a stamp – it represents an experience synonymous with luxury, exclusivity, and superior service. Donald and the Trump family – Ivanka, Eric, and Don Jr. – elevated the brand ecosystem to greater heights, cementing its legacy as a global symbol of affluence and excellence.
This commitment to excellence is evident in our latest partnership with the Trump Organization in Muscat, where we are developing the AIDA community, the Trump International Golf Club, and the Trump International Hotel, Oman. I have been working closely with Eric Trump and his team, who, upon arriving in Oman in 2023, headed straight to the site to review plans and explore the grounds. In no time, Eric made suggestions for the masterplan optimization, including the locations of the hotels and golf club, as well as the membership offerings, resulting in better outcomes for economics, living and entertainment.
That is, once again, the value of the Trump brand – exceptional living and entertainment spaces, infused with a DNA of care and hospitality that stems from the Trump family’s ethics and decades-long experience of cultivating this culture. Put simply, seeing the children of a high-profile family working with us on the smallest of details – from meeting the team to interacting with brokers and clients late into the night – encapsulates the answer to, “Why Trump?”
With world-class Trump residences, hotels, and golf courses in the U.S., Ireland, and the UK, we look forward to bringing this experience to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE. Together, with a family committed to delivering value time and again, we will continue to shape the next generation of exceptional communities and experiences in the region and beyond. Stay tuned.