When Donald Trump entered the political fray years ago, I found myself captivated by the waves of discussion he generated around the world. Although I wasn’t living in the United States, the influence of his presidency seemed pervasive—from television coverage and social media debates to local gatherings where friends would exchange opinions on the man whose name had long been synonymous with skyscrapers and reality TV. Yet, it wasn’t until I moved to the UAE that I realized how multifaceted Trump’s global reach truly was.
I still recall a spirited conversation I had in Dubai in early 2017. A local entrepreneur, brimming with excitement, kept extolling the virtues of potential business ties between the US and the UAE under Trump’s leadership. “He’s a businessman at heart,” my friend insisted, “so trade and investment opportunities might expand.” Those words made sense, at least initially, given the reputation Trump had built in the real estate world. However, as time wore on, it became clear that Trump’s policies were anything but uniform, and their effects on the Gulf region were complex, sometimes stirring optimism while also provoking wariness.
In this article, we’ll delve into Donald Trump and Trump’s policies through the lens of Middle East perspectives, with a particular focus on Trump in the UAE. We’ll explore how his administration’s agenda shaped US-UAE relations, impacted local business opportunities, influenced diplomatic strategies, and perhaps altered how Emiratis and expats alike viewed the United States. Through data, anecdotal experiences, and insights from experts, we aim to present a holistic narrative that goes beyond the typical soundbites or polarised discourse that often swirl around Trump’s legacy.
Before discussing Trump in the UAE specifically, let’s set the stage. Trump was already a global figure long before he took the oath of office. In the 1980s, he gained fame for his real estate ventures and high-rise hotels, with the gold-plated Trump name eventually becoming a hallmark of luxurious living across the globe. Television appearances, most notably as the host of “The Apprentice,” further propelled him to international notoriety. These endeavors helped shape the image of a self-made magnate, a persona Trump leaned into heavily during his 2016 presidential campaign.
To some, Trump’s outsider status, highlighted by his lack of formal political background, was refreshing. To others, it was concerning. When he officially entered the Oval Office, the international community was eager to see if his unorthodox tactics could realistically translate into effective governance. Nowhere was this fascination more evident than in business-savvy hubs like the UAE, where people recognized parallels between Trump’s corporate mindset and the region’s emphasis on economic growth.
Once in office, Trump adopted a series of economic policies that aimed to bolster the American economy. He pushed for tax cuts, championed deregulation in certain sectors, and spoke fervently about bringing manufacturing back to the United States. While these moves primarily targeted domestic concerns, their ripple effects inevitably reached global shores. Investors in the UAE, for instance, scrutinized every development, trying to discern the viability of maintaining or expanding trade deals with American partners.
Revisiting Trade Figures
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the total trade in goods (exports plus imports) between the United States and the UAE was around $24.3 billion in 2016. During Trump’s presidency, that number fluctuated slightly, reflecting the general ups and downs in global trade dynamics. Although it’s challenging to attribute all changes in UAE trade solely to Trump’s policies, many local businesses felt that the general pro-business tone encouraged them to look for fresh opportunities in the American market.
In parallel, the UAE Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre consistently tracked domestic economic indicators, noting moderate yet stable growth in many sectors. Part of that stability involved collaborations with international partners, including the United States. Emirati investors expressed cautious optimism about potential synergies with American companies, spurred by Trump’s emphasis on business and economic collaboration.
However, this optimism was tempered by emerging trade wars, particularly with China. Any global shift that impacted the price of raw materials or changed supply chains could indirectly affect the UAE, a nation that prides itself on being a major international hub for commerce and transport.
Beyond commerce, US-UAE relations during Trump’s era underwent noticeable evolution. While the two countries have historically enjoyed friendly ties, the extent to which Trump prioritised the Gulf region set the tone for further cooperation.
Security and Defense
The UAE has often been considered a key strategic partner for the US in the Middle East. Trump’s administration continued robust defense cooperation, signing agreements that underlined the mutual interest in regional stability. From arms deals to joint counterterrorism initiatives, the collaboration often reflected a shared objective: mitigate threats and maintain security in the Gulf.
According to some defense experts, the alignment was generally positive, fostering a sense of trust between Abu Dhabi and Washington. One analyst from a local think-tank in Dubai suggested that the UAE’s leadership appreciated Trump’s clear stance against extremism, although the unpredictability of his foreign policy style sometimes gave officials pause.
The Abraham Accords
No discussion of Trump’s policies in the Middle East is complete without mentioning the Abraham Accords. Brokered during his tenure, these normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab countries, including the UAE, were groundbreaking. The UAE’s move to formalize diplomatic ties with Israel was a seismic shift in regional dynamics, sparking both praise and criticism.
On the one hand, proponents lauded the Accords for paving the way for new economic, technological, and cultural collaborations. I remember attending a small gathering in Abu Dhabi shortly after the announcement, where Emirati businesspeople expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Israeli tech firms. Others, meanwhile, worried that these developments might overshadow the long-standing complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
From the U.S. perspective, Trump touted the Abraham Accords as a signature achievement of his foreign policy. For many in the UAE, the accords highlighted the country’s willingness to be a regional trendsetter, forging a fresh path toward a new kind of diplomatic relationship. The potential for trade, tourism, and research partnerships with Israel bolstered the UAE’s vision of economic diversification and global connectivity.
Long before Trump’s presidency, the Trump brand made inroads into the UAE. For instance, Trump International Golf Club in Dubai, launched in collaboration with Damac Properties, opened its fairways to golfers in 2017. The luxurious golf course generated buzz among Emiratis and expats, with the Trump name gracing billboards and advertisements across the city. Some viewed it as a symbol of modern opulence, while others were cautious about how Trump’s evolving political profile could affect his business interests abroad.
Real Estate and Hospitality
The UAE’s real estate sector remains a pillar of its economy, so it’s no surprise that Trump’s extensive background in property development attracted attention. By the time he became President, his global organization had to navigate ethical and legal questions about how to manage international investments while he was in office. In the UAE, though, most people seemed more intrigued than concerned. Locally, the brand’s association was often treated as a sign of premium quality, especially among certain affluent circles.
During his presidency, the operational aspects of Trump-branded businesses in the UAE were largely left to their local partners. Public sentiment ranged from appreciation for the upscale properties to curiosity about whether politics would sour or enhance the brand’s appeal. In my experience, the average resident in Dubai saw the Trump name more as a luxury label than a political statement, though there were definitely undercurrents of debate in certain expatriate gatherings.
No monolithic view exists on Donald Trump in the UAE. Attitudes varied widely depending on factors such as professional background, personal experiences with U.S. immigration, and overall worldview. Let’s distill some of the recurring viewpoints:
Interestingly, Emiratis and expatriates from Western countries sometimes held overlapping views. I spoke with a British executive who had relocated to Dubai. He mentioned feeling drawn to Trump’s pro-business rhetoric but was unsettled by the unpredictability of his public statements. Meanwhile, an Emirati entrepreneur I met at a networking event expressed a similar mix of hope and uncertainty.
Trump’s presidency was anything but serene, marked by controversies that often crossed borders. Though the UAE seldom found itself in the center of Trump’s most polarizing moments, the global media coverage meant local residents were acutely aware of issues like the impeachment proceedings, polarizing tweets, and disputes with NATO allies. These controversies inevitably shaped how people here, along with those across the Middle East, interpreted Trump’s brand of leadership.
Travel Bans and Regional Sensitivities
Shortly after taking office, Trump issued executive orders that restricted travel to the U.S. for citizens of several predominantly Muslim countries. The UAE was not on the list, but the policy still struck a chord in a region where cultural and religious ties are strong. Critics argued that such measures fostered stereotypes and discouraged intercultural dialogue. Defenders claimed that the actions were based on national security, not religious discrimination.
While the policy didn’t directly hamper Emirati citizens’ ability to visit the U.S., it rattled some residents who saw it as a symbol of a potentially exclusionary stance. I recall talking to a friend from one of the affected countries who lived in Dubai; she wondered aloud whether future expansions of the ban might affect her. Even though the policy didn’t target the UAE, it raised apprehensions about broader Middle East perspectives on Trump.
Relations with Iran
Iran lies across the Gulf from the UAE, and any American policy toward Tehran is closely monitored by Emiratis. Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal and implement sanctions had widespread repercussions. While some in the UAE supported a tougher stance on Iran’s regional activities, others feared escalation could jeopardize regional stability.
Local newspapers occasionally featured op-eds speculating about the economic impact of heightened tensions. For instance, shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz are crucial to global oil trade. If those routes were disrupted, the ramifications would be felt in the UAE. The general mood combined guarded support for reining in Iran’s influence with deep concern about the potential for miscalculation.
It’s one thing to gather personal anecdotes, but another to consult experts and sift through data for a more structured assessment. I had the opportunity to speak with a policy researcher from an Abu Dhabi-based institute who specialized in US-UAE relations. She emphasized the importance of looking at long-term trends rather than short-term headlines. According to her, despite the public drama surrounding the Trump presidency, bilateral relations remained relatively stable, with trade and diplomatic ties largely unaffected by the more incendiary controversies.
Furthermore, data from the Ministry of Economy in the UAE underlined a consistent flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) from the United States. In 2019, American FDI into the UAE remained strong, and Emirati investments in the United States also continued. While the pandemic and other global factors influenced some numbers, experts generally concluded that Trump’s brand of diplomacy did not significantly derail established economic cooperation.
In the realm of security cooperation, arms sales and joint military exercises persisted. The US and UAE maintained high-level dialogues on defense matters, an indication that any personal dynamics surrounding Trump didn’t hinder core strategic objectives. However, one analyst warned that such stability might stem from decades of cooperation rather than Trump’s own efforts, meaning the real test for US-UAE relations would come during the transition to the next administration.
From Middle East perspectives, Trump’s legacy remains a mixed bag. The Abraham Accords undoubtedly rewrote certain diplomatic scripts, potentially opening doors to more trade and cooperation among countries traditionally at odds with each other. Yet, the lack of a comprehensive approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict left some experts skeptical about the accords’ long-term viability in fostering genuine peace.
Elsewhere, Trump’s hardline stance on Iran found supporters among Gulf countries wary of Tehran’s influence, but it also heightened tensions. Syria, Yemen, and other regional crises witnessed shifting degrees of American engagement, creating an environment where Middle Eastern nations had to adapt. Within the UAE, these shifts demanded agile foreign policy, ensuring the country maintained its reputation for stability and economic progress.
As someone who relishes exploring local perspectives, I recall a moment that highlighted Trump’s polarizing stature in the region. During a cultural festival in Sharjah, I encountered a mix of Emiratis, Saudis, and visitors from various Western countries. Conversations drifted from the best local shawarma spots to, inevitably, politics.
One Emirati gentleman, quietly sipping tea, surprised me with his blunt admiration for Trump’s “America First” approach. He argued that every nation, including the UAE, should adopt a form of “Emirates First” mindset, suggesting that prioritizing national interests was the most logical path forward. Across the circle, a European expat shook her head, pointing to humanitarian obligations and global cooperation. What followed was a deeply respectful, though intense, debate on leadership styles, cultural values, and international law. By the end of the evening, no consensus emerged, but everyone walked away with a richer understanding of the complexities surrounding Trump’s presidency and its global reverberations.
Donald Trump left office in January 2021, but his influence did not vanish. Even today, discussions about his presidency linger across the UAE’s business circles, academic settings, and casual gatherings. Some individuals wonder whether Trump’s post-presidential endeavors could renew business opportunities in the Gulf. Others remain cautious, believing that the controversies surrounding him may outweigh potential benefits.
The shift to the Biden administration brought new challenges and opportunities. Where Trump emphasized transactional relationships, Biden focuses on rebuilding alliances and addressing issues like climate change. Many in the UAE keep a watchful eye on how these shifts affect matters like defense cooperation, trade, and the continuing developments from the Abraham Accords.
Interestingly, the memory of Trump’s presidency in the UAE also serves as a reminder of the region’s capacity to adapt to sudden global changes. Whether it’s in economics, diplomacy, or societal attitudes, the UAE has shown remarkable resilience and a willingness to engage with new realities. Trump’s tenure was merely one of many tests of that resilience, albeit one that garnered widespread attention.
Critics of Trump often point to the travel bans, volatile rhetoric, and inward-focused trade policies. Supporters highlight the strong US economy prior to the pandemic, the Abraham Accords, and the prioritization of national security. In the UAE, these debates materialized in ways that were both profound and subtle. Students in international relations programs dissected Trump’s speeches, hoping to glean insights into new forms of American populism. Business owners recalibrated their risk assessments, uncertain how policy shifts might affect currency exchange or import regulations.
Perhaps the most intriguing outcome is how, for many residents in the UAE, Trump came to symbolise both an opportunity and a cautionary tale. The opportunity lay in the potential for forging deeper ties with an administration that viewed business success as a barometer of national strength. The cautionary tale reminded everyone that unpredictability in diplomacy can yield unintended consequences, especially in a region where alliances and rivalries are delicately balanced.
To add more depth to this discussion, I reached out to two Emirati scholars at a university in Abu Dhabi. One specialized in business administration, the other in political science. Their perspectives illuminated the multifaceted ways Trump’s presidency reverberated through Emirati society.
These conversations reinforced a central theme: the UAE values stability, economic growth, and diplomatic harmony. Trump’s presidency, while beneficial in certain arenas, introduced uncertainties that prompted the nation’s policymakers and citizens to remain vigilant.
To better contextualize Trump’s impact, let’s outline a few data points drawn from credible sources:
These numbers show that despite the controversies, the core aspects of the relationship—trade, security, and economic exchanges—maintained a level of consistency.
Whether you view Donald Trump as a visionary leader who disrupted the status quo or a controversial figure who tested diplomatic norms, there’s no denying that his time in office left a mark on US-UAE relations. The Middle East perspectives on Trump underscore the uniqueness of the region: simultaneously innovative and tradition-conscious, eager to expand global ties but protective of its own stability.
In many ways, the conversation around Trump in the UAE represents a microcosm of his international reputation. Some appreciate his bold approach, especially in business and the Abraham Accords. Others highlight the potential downsides of his abrasive style. Ultimately, his presidency served as a catalyst for critical discussions about governance, leadership, and foreign policy, sparking debates that continue today.
For the UAE, a nation rapidly evolving on the global stage, Trump’s era proved that external leadership changes can be opportunities to reassess strategic alignments, economic policies, and cultural connections. Even though the political spotlight has shifted, the experiences and lessons gleaned from that period still resonate among policymakers, academics, and everyday citizens.
Reflecting on Donald Trump’s global footprint from my vantage point in the UAE has proven eye-opening. His presidency was not merely a spectacle beamed across international television networks. Rather, it was a dynamic force that nudged conversations about trade, diplomacy, and cultural perceptions in new directions. Whether in the glitzy lounges of Dubai’s business districts or the academic halls of Abu Dhabi, Trump’s tenure challenged people to reevaluate assumptions about American politics and its tangible effects on the region.
From the vantage point of local experts, the Emirati public, and various expatriates, the lessons are multifaceted. Trump’s business acumen resonated strongly in a country where economic expansion is paramount. The Abraham Accords heralded a new era of possibility—though not without controversy. At the same time, unpredictable policy shifts and contentious statements underscored how fragile international partnerships can be if trust is eroded.
In the end, Donald Trump in the UAE is a narrative of contrasts: admiration and skepticism, opportunity and caution, growth and unpredictability. His influence remains a case study in how global leadership, when viewed through a local lens, can inspire both enthusiasm and circumspection. As the UAE continues to chart its path forward on the global stage, the Trump era will likely remain a significant chapter in the ongoing story of US-UAE relations—one that future leaders, scholars, and citizens will analyze for years to come.