Dubai residents and regional observers are expressing growing unease with U.S. President Donald Trump’s handling of the recent conflict with Iran, a war that has affected the stability and business environment in the United Arab Emirates. While official statements from UAE and Gulf leaders have maintained diplomatic decorum and reaffirmed strong ties with the United States, a notable shift has occurred in public opinion, particularly among expatriates and businesspeople in Dubai.
At Trump International Golf Club in Dubai, a place marked by its American branding, visitors noted an absence of enthusiasm for the president. Many residents said Trump’s decision to engage militarily with Iran, along with his unpredictable conduct during the conflict, cast doubts on his leadership and threatened the region’s economic stability. Bertie Jones, a 23-year-old British expatriate, remarked that initial hopes for Trump’s business-friendly approach had eroded into mistrust.
Behind the scenes, Gulf officials reportedly counseled Washington against taking a hardline approach, striving to avoid war. Analysts emphasize that while the United States’ strategic direction has been consistent across administrations, Trump’s conflict with Iran has come as a surprise and caused deep frustration. The conflict escalated with Iranian drone and missile attacks targeting UAE oil facilities, ports, and infrastructure, marking a significant increase in regional hostilities.
Local businessmen who once viewed Trump optimistically express disappointment. Omar Al Busaidy, founder of Global Possibilities Consulting and a UAE resident, recalled the excitement surrounding Trump’s early Gulf visits and multi-trillion-dollar investment promises. However, he said the war and Trump’s disregard for UAE warnings—summed up as “Don’t poke the bear”—represented a grave miscalculation that damaged trust within the UAE’s business community.
Some Emirati figures have publicly criticized Trump’s decisions more openly than before. Billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor’s widely circulated letter condemned Trump for dragging the region into conflict. Economists and former officials, while critical of the war’s impact, acknowledge the practical necessity of maintaining close ties with the United States due to defense arrangements, including Patriot and THAAD missile systems purchased by the UAE.
Despite the tensions, official meetings between Trump and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan have featured mutual praise. At a recent Group of Seven summit, bin Zayed expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, while Trump praised the Emirati leader. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio lauded the UAE’s steadfast partnership amidst the conflict during his visit to Abu Dhabi.
Public sentiment among residents remains mixed. Some remain supportive of Trump’s patriotism despite disapproval of the war and its fallout. Mohamed Al Kaabi, a local government official, stated he appreciated Trump’s love for his country, whereas his friend Khaled Al Kaabi criticized the president for creating global problems and leaving others to manage the aftermath. Many residents expressed relief the war had not worsened but admitted ongoing anxiety due to recurring missile interceptions in the early weeks of the conflict.
At the same time, expatriates in Dubai’s business and social circles voiced disillusionment. Tom, a British insurance professional, doubted Trump’s credibility due to broken promises about ending the war. Neil Rodgers, a British event organizer, criticized Trump for escalating the conflict and seemingly abandoning responsibility. Nonetheless, some continue to frequent Trump’s golf course, valuing the venue despite its increasingly complex associations.
Overall, the UAE and broader Gulf region appear to be balancing official diplomatic ties with private reservations about the war and Trump’s approach. While government leaders maintain public unity with the United States, local communities reveal a more nuanced and, at times, critical perspective on the conflict’s origins and consequences.