Dar Global, a luxury real estate developer with ties to the UAE, has suggested its ongoing partnership with the Trump Organization could expand into Saudi Arabia's large-scale gigaprojects. This potential move would deepen the collaboration, which already includes significant developments in Oman and planned projects within the Kingdom.
Key Takeaways
- Dar Global has indicated a potential expansion of its partnership with the Trump Organization into Saudi Arabia's major development initiatives, known as gigaprojects.
- The two companies are already collaborating on a $4 billion golf and villa project in Oman and have announced plans for luxury properties in Saudi Arabia.
- This development aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a strategic plan to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment in sectors like tourism and real estate.
- The Trump Organization has been actively increasing its business presence in the Gulf region since Donald Trump's presidency concluded.
An Established Partnership in the Gulf
The relationship between Dar Global and the Trump Organization is not new. The two entities have a well-established track record of collaboration on high-end real estate ventures in the Middle East. Their most prominent joint project is the Trump International Golf Club, Oman, a sprawling development valued at $4 billion.
This project, located in Muscat, includes a championship golf course alongside branded villas and a hotel. It serves as a model for the type of luxury, lifestyle-focused developments the partnership specializes in creating.
Building on this foundation, the collaboration has already made inroads into the Saudi market. In November 2022, the Trump Organization announced plans for Trump-branded hotels, villas, and a golf course as part of the Aida project in Oman, further solidifying their regional presence with Dar Global.
First Ventures into Saudi Arabia
The partnership's expansion into Saudi Arabia is already underway. Plans have been announced for a residential villa complex and a hotel within the Shams Ar Riyadh project in the Saudi capital. This marked the Trump Organization's first real estate venture in the country.
More recently, plans were unveiled for a project in Jeddah, a major port city on the Red Sea. This development is expected to include residential units, a hotel, and potentially retail spaces, further cementing the Trump brand's presence in key Saudi urban centers.
Who is Dar Global?
Dar Global is the international real estate development arm of Dar Al Arkan, one of Saudi Arabia's largest property developers. While based in the UAE and listed on the London Stock Exchange, its roots and significant operational ties are in Saudi Arabia, giving it deep insight into the local market.
The Allure of Saudi Gigaprojects
The latest hints from Dar Global suggest a move into an even more ambitious arena: Saudi Arabia's gigaprojects. These are the cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030, a national transformation plan initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reduce the country's dependence on oil revenue.
These projects are massive in scale and scope, designed to create new economic sectors and attract international tourism and investment. They represent some of the most ambitious urban development initiatives in the world.
What are Gigaprojects?
Saudi Arabia's gigaprojects are multi-billion dollar developments aimed at transforming the nation's economy. Key examples include:
- NEOM: A futuristic city-state in the northwest, planned to be powered entirely by renewable energy and featuring advanced technologies.
- The Red Sea Project: A luxury tourism destination across an archipelago of islands, focused on sustainability and eco-tourism.
- Qiddiya: An entertainment, sports, and arts megaproject near Riyadh, envisioned as a global hub for leisure.
- Roshn: A national project to increase homeownership by developing integrated residential communities across the country.
Involvement in these projects would represent a significant step up for the Dar Global-Trump partnership. It would move their collaboration from standalone luxury complexes to being a component of a state-backed, nation-defining development. For the Trump Organization, it would mean placing its brand within some of the most talked-about real estate ventures globally.
Aligning with Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia's economic strategy heavily relies on attracting foreign capital and expertise. The government has implemented reforms to make foreign property ownership and investment easier, signaling a clear intent to partner with international brands and developers.
The potential inclusion of a Trump-branded development within a gigaproject fits perfectly within this strategy. The Trump brand is globally recognized for luxury hospitality, golf courses, and high-end residential properties—all key components of the tourism and lifestyle hubs Saudi Arabia aims to create.
According to reports on Saudi economic policy, the Kingdom is actively seeking brands that can elevate the international profile of its new cities and destinations. A partnership with a name as prominent as Trump would generate significant global attention, aligning with the marketing and investment goals of Vision 2030.
The Trump Organization's Post-Presidency Strategy
Since Donald Trump left the White House, his family's business has increasingly focused on international opportunities, with a particular emphasis on the Gulf region. The deals in Oman and Saudi Arabia are part of this broader strategic shift.
The region's rapid economic growth, ambitious development plans, and availability of capital make it an attractive market for luxury real estate developers. The Trump Organization, led by Eric Trump, has been actively pursuing these opportunities.
"We are going to be selecting the best-in-class developers from around the world," Eric Trump stated in a previous interview regarding the company's expansion plans, highlighting a strategy focused on partnering with established local players like Dar Global.
This approach leverages local expertise and connections while providing the power of a globally recognized brand. The potential expansion into Saudi gigaprojects would be the most significant outcome of this strategy to date, representing a major business achievement for the organization in its post-presidency era.
As Saudi Arabia continues to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into its transformative projects, the door remains open for more high-profile international partnerships. The developing story between Dar Global and the Trump Organization will be a key indicator of how these global brands will shape the future of the Kingdom's landscape.
