Full Breakdown
Trump’s War with Iran Triggers Private Backlash at Dubai Golf Club
6/24/2026, 11:46:57 PM
War’s Immediate Fallout at Trump International Golf Club
President Donald Trump ordered U.S. strikes against Iran in early 2024, prompting Iranian missiles and drones to hit the United Arab Emirates. The exchange unsettled the Gulf and changed how patrons of Trump International Golf Club in Dubai view the former president. Club staff noted fewer guests displaying “Make America Great Again” hats, though the course remains unchanged.
Background: U.S.–UAE Relations Before the Conflict
Trump promoted himself as a “no-war president,” a claim that appealed to Gulf investors. The UAE, a U.S. security partner, warned Washington that striking Iran could destabilize the region, but the cautions were ignored.
Official Diplomatic Statements
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan thanked Trump at a G7 summit in France. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the UAE “one of America’s strongest partners” in the war. Gulf officials, while courteous, had urged Washington to avoid escalation.
Private Criticism and Opposition
British golfer Bertie Jones said he “lost all trust” in Trump. Consultant Omar Al Busaidy noted supporters “had high hopes – but we got played.” Dubai billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor condemned the war in an open letter. Air-traffic controller Omar Ahli warned hostilities could resume “in an hour.” Economist Nasser Hassan Al Shaikh and event organizer Richard Lucking described lingering unease at the club.
On-the-Ground Sentiment at the Club
Club members described the atmosphere as “questionable” and noted that while staff and the course remain “brilliant,” the overall mood has shifted. The continued display of “Make America Great Again” hats now contrasts with a growing reluctance to publicly endorse Trump.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Public statements from UAE leadership remain supportive, yet private comments reveal frustration. No data on the precise decline in club attendance is provided, and the durability of the newly brokered U.S.–Iran agreement remains uncertain.
Why It Matters: Regional Stability and U.S. Influence
The episode highlights the limited options for Gulf states that rely on U.S. security guarantees, including missile-defense systems. Ongoing dependence on American military support may force regional leaders to tolerate policies they privately oppose.
What’s Next: Uncertain Future of the U.S.–Iran Accord
Analysts say the fragile U.S.–Iran agreement faces an uncertain future, while the UAE continues to weigh its security partnership with the United States against domestic criticism of the war.
Verbatim Quotes
- “On the business side, I thought he was going to do a lot,” — Bertie Jones, 23, British national
- “I’m not going to lie, I had high hopes – but we got played,” — Omar Al Busaidy, Global Possibilities Consulting
- “We don’t know what was going through Trump’s mind when he started this war, but we did know the potential repercussions,” — Nasser Hassan Al Shaikh, businessman, former UAE official and economist
- “[But] the staff and the course are brilliant.” — Richard Lucking, former British military, event organizer
