Trumps thank Dubai for love and friendship

Trump's two sons, who now run the Trump Organization, attend a gala at the golf course

American President Donald Trump's two eldest sons - Donald Jr. and Eric - were in Dubai on Saturday to mark the official opening of the opulent Trump International Golf Club at a lavish party attended by a veritable "who's who" of Dubai's glitterati.

Since January, Donald Jr. and Eric have overseen a trust that includes the Trump Organization's businesses and projects, a move which President Trump said was designed to avoid conflicts of interest while he holds office. The occasion marks their first overseas business trip since their father was inaugurated.

During a brief speech made to a crowd of several hundred people - including property developers and other members of the business community from around the Gulf - Donald Jr. praised the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"I've been coming to Dubai for over a decade and to see the vision that Sheikh Mohammed has put forth for this country is truly inspiring," he said. "It's truly been a privilege to be part of that vision."

The Golf Club - which is located about 10 minutes from Sheikh Zayed Road in Damac Hills - includes a 18-hole golf course, a fitness club and top floor infinity pool, as well as a clubhouse with a number of eating and drinking options.
Speaking during a guided tour of the facility on Saturday, Eric Trump said that he and his brother were "thrilled" to witness the opening of the golf course - the first Trump golf course in the Middle East.

"Trump International Golf Club Dubai is an incredible addition to our portfolio of 18 prestigious golf clubs and will join the stable of our golf courses around the world," he said. "We are very proud of our collaboration with DAMAC Properties and look forward to bringing a new level of challenge and luxury to Dubai at this truly spectacular property."

Hussain Sajwani -a longtime friend and business associate of Donald Trump - said the opening was "yet another outstanding milestone" for Dubai.
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The Trump International Golf Club Dubai is an international golf course that just joined the league of the most premium golf courses in the world," he said. "This achievement is one that certainly transforms the golfing scene in Dubai and across the region, reaffirming the emirate's position as a global destination for world-class developments. It is another landmark representing an addition to the many exceptional attractions Dubai offers to its citizens, residents and visitors alike."

On Saturday night, both Trump sons lauded the close, friendly relationship that Sajwani has had over the last several years with the Trump family and the Trump Organization.

"It's not every day I have a partner that's truly a great friend," Eric said of Sajwani. "On behalf of the entire family...it's a great honor to stand here beside you."

"Thank you so much for your love and your friendship," he added.

Arriving at the club, guests were met with large water fountains along a long driveway, with landscaped gardens on either side.

The Golf Club has four restaurants. Fifth Avenue, an opulent Italian restaurant with polished marble and velvet chairs, is designed to resemble the decadent 1920's in Manhattan. Another restaurant - 'The Terrace Trump International' - serves American dishes and offer guests sweeping views of the golf course. The other dining options at the Club are the 'Ninth Sports Cafe', and Assana, a top floor shisha lounge.
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The opening event included live classical musicians and concluded with a long fireworks display, lighting up the golf course with green, red and gold light to the raucous applause of the crowd.

Credit: Khaleej Times