The Trump Organization has announced plans for the development of an imposing Trump Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This ambitious project aims not only to capture the Saudi luxury market but also to attract international investors interested in high-end properties.
The construction of the tower will be carried out in partnership with Dar Global, the international division of the renowned Saudi developer Dar Al Arkan. If realized, this venture will mark the Trump Organization’s first major project in the Saudi kingdom, further consolidating its presence in the region.
Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization and son of former President Donald Trump, expressed his enthusiasm for the announcement, stating: “We are excited to expand our presence in the Middle East and bring the Trump luxury standard to the region through our longstanding relationship with Dar Global.”
The Trump Tower in Jeddah promises to be an architectural landmark and a symbol of sophistication, representing the growing influence and appeal of the Trump brand in the global luxury market.
Dar Global emphasized that the project aims to cater to the “Saudi luxury market and international investors,” highlighting the ambition to create an architectural landmark and a symbol of sophistication in the region. The completion of the tower will represent the Trump Organization’s first major venture in Saudi Arabia.
This announcement comes just days after the inauguration of a Trump International hotel complex in Oman, a $500 million investment. The five-star hotel, scheduled to open its doors in December 2028, will feature a nightclub, a golf course, and an exclusive members’ club. However, the hotel is operated under a license to use the Trump name and logo granted by Dar Al Arkan and is not directly owned by the Trump Organization.
The expansion of the Trump Organization in the Middle East raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially considering speculation that former President Donald Trump might return to the White House. The ongoing relationship between the Trump brand and large-scale projects in the region could spark debates about political influence and business ethics involved.
The Trump Organization’s expansion in the Middle East has generated significant concerns. Donald K. Sherman, senior vice president and chief counsel at Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Washington (CREW), expressed concerns about national security issues and potential conflicts of interest. In a statement to CNN, Sherman said: “The Trump Organization’s continued pursuit of foreign business projects raises dangerous national security concerns, corruption, and constitutional issues.” He pointed out that Saudi Arabia, in particular, has a history of trying to influence Donald Trump, which increases the gravity of these concerns.
Sherman also warned that if Trump were to return to the presidency, he would likely violate the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, as he allegedly did during his first term. A 2023 analysis by CREW revealed that Trump received at least $9.6 million from Middle Eastern countries during his presidency, intensifying concerns about the integrity and ethics of his international business activities.
The Trump Organization is owned by a private trust, which lists Donald Trump as the sole beneficiary and is managed by his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. Last year, the Trump Organization was fined $1.6 million by a New York judge due to a decade-long tax fraud scheme. Two entities linked to Trump were convicted of 17 crimes, including tax fraud and falsification of business records.
Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new issues raised. Additionally, the investment firm run by Jared Kushner, the former president’s son-in-law and foreign policy advisor during the Trump administration, secured a $2 billion investment from the Saudi royal fund, adding another layer of complexity and potential implications for the Trump brand’s international expansion.
Furthermore, last month, Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, launched an investigation into the investment firm run by Jared Kushner, the former president’s son-in-law and foreign policy advisor during the Trump administration. Wyden expressed concern that investments in Kushner’s firm could create “significant conflicts of interest and potential counterintelligence risks,” highlighting the complex implications and possible risks associated with the growing influence of the Trump and Kushner families in the Middle East. Trump’s campaign has yet to respond to a request for comment on these issues.
Inaugurated in 1983, the 58-story, 202-meter-tall skyscraper was designed by architect Der Scutt and is known for its golden glass facade and sleek design. Developed by the Trump Organization, the tower is a symbol of luxury and prestige, reflecting the image of success promoted by Donald Trump.
The building is a combination of office spaces, private residences, and retail shops, occupying one of New York’s most prestigious areas on Fifth Avenue. The interior of Trump Tower is notable for its grand marble-clad entrance hall and a central atrium surrounded by shops and offices.
Trump Tower helped establish the Trump brand in the luxury real estate market, becoming an icon of the opulent lifestyle promoted by the organization. Besides its commercial impact, the building has also been at the center of political controversies, especially during Donald Trump’s presidency. Ethics issues and conflicts of interest related to the property have been widely discussed.
The Trump brand has expanded its influence internationally with projects such as the Trump Tower in Istanbul and Mumbai, aiming to replicate the success of the original tower. These ventures aim to convey the prestige associated with the Trump brand, maintaining the image of luxury and sophistication.
Trump Tower remains a significant symbol in the world of real estate and architecture, representing both the rise of the Trump brand and the challenges associated with its legacy. As an important landmark in New York, the tower not only defines the city’s skyline but also continues to influence the global luxury property market and architectural design.
