Satellite Images Show New Trump Resort Emerge in Middle East
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Recent satellite imagery reveals significant progress at one of the Middle East's most high-value coastal real estate projects, where Trump-branded villas are being developed above the Gulf of Oman.
Newsweek contacted real estate developer Dar Global and the Trump Organization for comment.
U.S. President Donald Trump has handed over his multiple global business interests to his family while he is serving as president, but his critics say potential conflicts of interest remain.
Why It Matters
The megaproject, called Aida, sits atop cliffs roughly 430 feet above sea level near Oman's Yiti beach, and aligns with the country's Vision 2040 aimed at diversifying the country's economy beyond oil through high-end tourism and foreign investments.
A centerpiece for the project is Trump International Oman—a $500 million resort anchored by a 140-room luxury hotel and an international-standard golf course. The project reflects the Trump Organization's deepening footprint in the Gulf, with country leaders also forging close political and security ties with the U.S. president. Oman has been acting as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran on nuclear talks.
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What To Know
Spanning over 3.5 million square meters, the coastal project is being built through a joint venture between Saudi Arabia's Dar Global, a London-listed real estate developer, and Omran Group, the state's authority overseeing tourism investment in Oman.
Dar Global said in its July digital newspaper issue that "significant progress is underway at AIDA." Located about 15 minutes from Oman's capital, Muscat, the resort is within reach from major Gulf tourism hubs, such as Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Aida, which combines upscale residences, hotels, and recreational facilities secured financing from the National Bank of Oman in February. The company is developing the Trump Cliff Villas, upscale sea-view homes tucked near the Trump International Hotel. A three-bedroom villa is being sold at over $1 million, according to real estate developers' websites.
DarGlobal is developing a signature resort in AIDA, a $4B landmark 130m above Muscat. With luxury villas, a Trump Golf Course, a world-class hotel, & a hanging nightclub, AIDA redefines elegance while preserving nature. #DarGlobal #AIDA #Trump #Oman pic.twitter.com/3F9hAoma8V — DarGlobal (@dar_global) January 3, 2025
Dar Global is also building the Trump Tower Jeddah, a 47-story-tower on the city's corniche scheduled for completion in 2029 and the Trump International Hotel and Tower Dubai, featuring the world's highest outdoor pool.
What People Are Saying
Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global said in February, as quoted by Kanebridge News business platform: "As a milestone project AIDA is not only slated to elevate the luxury real estate offering of Oman but also deliver tangible economic growth by attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening the tourism and related sectors."
Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization said in 2024: "We are thrilled to introduce Trump International Oman with Dar Global, marking a new era of sophistication, impeccable service, and exclusivity, elevating Oman as a premier global destination."
What Happens Next
The first phase of AIDA, focused on core infrastructure, is due for completion by 2027. Trump International Oman is expected to open by December 2028.
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