The Trump name is expanding its reach in the Middle East with a new luxury housing development in Oman. The former president’s company is partnering with a Saudi developer to build a $200 million gated community in the capital city of Muscat.
Trump Villas at AIDA will offer Gulf views and access to a Trump-branded golf club. While Trump pledged not to sign new foreign deals during his presidency, his organization continued earning licensing fees elsewhere. This new Oman project may spark more criticism about conflicts of interest for the potential 2024 candidate.
A Prestigious Project
The two firms announced plans to collaborate on Trump Villas at AIDA, a $200 million luxury housing development in Muscat, Oman.
The gated community will offer panoramic views of the Gulf of Oman and adjoin the Trump International Golf Club. The lavish villas and world-class golf facilities are poised to attract wealthy buyers in a region where Trump-branded properties are status symbols.
Conflicts of Interest
The deal will likely intensify criticism that Trump adequately separated his business interests from his political role.
During his presidency, Trump claimed his company would not pursue new foreign deals but continued to receive licensing fees from projects in Turkey, the Philippines and India.
Strong Relationships
Trump’s popularity in the Gulf region stems from his hawkish stance on Iran and support for traditional U.S. allies like Saudi Arabia.
Trump made his first foreign trip as president to Riyadh, helping cement his relationship with the Saudi leadership.
$200 Million Luxury Housing in Oman Capital
The lavish Trump Villas at AIDA development will feature 350 villas and townhouses within the Trump International Golf Club Muscat gates.
The properties will offer scenic views of the Gulf of Oman and access to the 18-hole championship golf course. Prices for the villas will start around $570,000, while townhouses will be available from $285,000.
Return of Trump To The Middle East
The seaside villas are part of the Trump brand’s return to the Middle East, where the former U.S. president’s companies already have footholds in places like Dubai.
During his time in office, Trump claimed his organization would avoid new foreign deals to avoid conflicts of interest. However, it continued to make money from licensing and management deals in Turkey, the Philippines, India and elsewhere.
An Exclusive Location
For those seeking an exclusive address in an exotic locale, the Trump Villas represent an opportunity to acquire a bespoke property in a world-class residential community.
The partnership between Trump and Dar Global is set to create Oman’s premier luxury lifestyle destination. The picturesque golf club overlooks the Gulf of Oman and will provide residents with scenic vistas and an exclusive country club lifestyle.
Trump Already Has Dubai Developments With Damac Group
The former U.S. president has a long-standing relationship with developers in the Gulf region. Back in 2015, Trump partnered with Dubai-based Damac Group on two luxury housing developments.
Trump International Golf Club Dubai and Trump World Golf Club Dubai are lavish properties offering spacious villas, an 18-hole championship golf course, and other high-end amenities.
Potential Conflicts of Interest for Former President
For critics, the Oman project revives worries that foreign governments and wealthy individuals may try to gain favor with Trump through his family’s business.
As president, Trump enjoyed close ties with nearby countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump Pledged No New Foreign Deals as President
Trump’s previous collaborations with Dubai’s Damac Group in 2015 resulted in Trump-branded properties sprouting up across Dubai, fueling accusations that the ex-president benefited financially from his position.
While Trump claimed his company wouldn’t pursue new foreign deals, it continued earning money from preexisting licensing agreements in Turkey, the Philippines, India and other countries.
Trump Had Close Ties to UAE and Saudi Arabia While in Office
During Trump’s time in office, his administration cultivated close relationships with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, two Gulf nations with authoritarian governments and deep pockets.
The former president’s properties already boast lavish developments in Dubai, a glitzy emirate in the UAE. This new venture in Oman, a sultanate with close ties to its Gulf neighbors, highlights Trump’s enduring influence in the region.
The UAE has Always Been a Trump Favorite
Trump’s affinity for the UAE and Saudi Arabia was on full display during his presidency. He made his first foreign trip as president to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital 2017.
There, Trump participated in a traditional sword dance and announced $110 billion in arms sales to the kingdom. The following year, Trump backed the Saudi crown prince after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, dismissing his own intelligence agencies’ findings.
Trump is Still Business Savvy
The Trump Organization’s latest venture in Oman signals the former president’s enduring appeal and business savvy in the Gulf region.
While ethical concerns persist regarding Trump’s overseas dealings, the luxurious Trump-branded community will likely attract wealthy investors and raise the company’s Middle East profile.
Cash is King
The AIDA development reaffirms Trump’s brand power and uncanny ability to profit through licensing deals and partnerships, even as he wages another bid for the U.S. presidency.
Though provoking predictable criticism, Trump Villas underscores the former president’s shrewd business instincts and enduring sway abroad.
Reaping What He Sowed in The UAE
Trump’s foray into luxury real estate in the Gulf region is the latest example of the former president seeking business opportunities in places where he cultivated political ties while in office.
Though he pledged not to ink new foreign deals during his presidency, Trump’s company continued collecting licensing fees worldwide.
