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Trillions of $$$ and 'Order of Zayed' for Trump in Gulf
Augustus Media FZ LLC
May 16, 2025
Friday, May 16, 2025
Happy Friday everyone!
Day 3 of Donald Trump’s landmark Gulf tour took him to Abu Dhabi with a flurry of diplomacy, gold-medal honours, and trillion-dollar pledge acknowledgments. The US President is flying back after what he believes is a “successful tour” where was able to get “$3-4 Trillion” in investments from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE.
In other news, Emirates is following Qatar Airways and is in talks with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring Starlink Wi-Fi to its flights, promising a major inflight connectivity upgrade. Meanwhile, billionaire Lakshmi Mittal has snapped up one of Dubai’s priciest mansions in Emirates Hills, amid growing signs that Britain’s tax crackdown is driving the global elite to sunnier shores.
But before that: For quick daily updates, follow us on Instagram, and you can watch our Smashi Business Show live every weekday from 10AM onwards (UAE time). Also, you can join our Whatsapp channel to receive updates from the business world.
Day 3: Trump’s Landmark UAE Visit Ends With Honours, Deals, And Diplomatic Symbolism
🇦🇪 Historic Honour at Qasr Al Watan
President Sheikh Mohamed bestowed the Order of Zayed, the UAE’s highest civilian award, on US President Donald Trump — the first US president to receive it since George W. Bush in 2008.
The UAE President praised the deepening bilateral ties, citing a $1.4 trillion UAE investment plan in the US over the next decade.
Trump responded by calling Sheikh Mohamed a “brilliant man” and a “visionary leader,” emphasizing their long-standing friendship.
🧑🚀 Space Diplomacy in Action
Trump met UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri, Sultan Al Neyadi, Nora Al Matrooshi, and Mohammed Al Mulla at Qasr Al Watan.
He praised their achievements and reaffirmed US-UAE collaboration on the NASA Gateway project, in which the Emirates will participate by 2027.
🕌 Cultural and Ceremonial Welcome
Trump visited Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed.
Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, he was greeted with the traditional Al Razfa dance, bakhour incense, and an honour guard escort from the Presidential Airport.
🍽️ State Dinner and Diplomacy
At Qasr Al Watan, Trump attended bilateral talks and a state dinner, where the palace was lit in red, white, and blue to mark his visit.
He met senior UAE officials including Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed and Yousef Al Otaiba.
💼 Economic and Strategic Impact
UAE officials highlighted how Trump’s visit strengthens the Emirates’ position as a global economic hub.
Ministers spoke of enhancing trade and investment flows, with new projects in AI, energy, and infrastructure.
🌍 Earlier in Doha: Trump’s Bold Claims
Before arriving in Abu Dhabi, Trump claimed his Gulf trip could generate $3.5–$4 trillion in deals for the US.
In Qatar, he proposed turning Gaza into a ‘freedom zone’ managed by the US and praised American troops at the Al Udeid Air Base.
Notable commitments included $1.2 trillion in US-Qatar economic exchange and $600 billion in Saudi investments into the US.
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Markets
EGX 30 | 31,941.15 | +0.36% |
DFMGI | 5,398.77 | +0.729% |
ADX | 9,625.19 | +0.041% |
Tadawul | 11,485.05 | -0.41% |
Emirates In Talks With SpaceX To Bring Starlink Wi-Fi Onboard Its Flights
🔹 What Is It About:
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is in negotiations with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to potentially equip its widebody fleet with Starlink satellite internet.
The deal, still under discussion, would aim to upgrade Emirates’ in-flight connectivity offering across its nearly 250 widebody aircraft, including Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s.
Sources say Emirates is evaluating whether to offer Starlink internet free for all passengers or only to premium and loyalty-tier flyers.
🔹 Why It Matters:
Emirates' endorsement would mark a major win for Starlink, given the airline’s size, reach, and reputation for premium service.
A challenge remains: Starlink is not yet certified for Emirates’ flagship Airbus A380 and does not operate in Chinese and Russian airspace, both key markets for the airline.
Emirates currently charges for most onboard internet services—this move could redefine passenger expectations, especially on long-haul routes.
The UAE government has not authorized Starlink use in the country yet, creating a regulatory hurdle to any final agreement.
🔹 What’s Next:
Discussions include monthly seat-based pricing models, with potential cost reductions for bulk commitments or long-term deals.
Approval for Starlink on Airbus A350s is expected in the coming weeks, supporting Emirates' newly delivered jets.
Emirates may still opt for alternative providers like Viasat, already in use by regional competitors like Riyadh Air and Qatar Airways.
Broader Starlink adoption in the region could hinge on political developments: Elon Musk announced Saudi Arabia's Starlink aviation approval this week, and UAE authorization may follow President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Abu Dhabi.
Protect Your Reputation Before the Headlines Hit
In an era where one viral post can undo years of work, IRM360 is hosting a private, invite-only event in Dubai Marina on May 21st, 2025, designed for those who can’t afford to leave their reputation to chance. Organized by Nino Kader, Founder and CEO of IRM360 — the strategist credited with turning around the Qatar World Cup’s global image — and Dennis Broberg, Founder of Natanyos Marketing, who has generated over $100M in ad-driven revenue while keeping high-profile brands protected from exposure risks.
Who should attend? Founders, public figures, family offices, and professionals who advise them.
Date: May 21, 2025
Location: Dubai Marina
Format: Morning or afternoon session (strictly invite-only)
Seats are limited. Apply for your private invitation.
Lakshmi Mittal Buys Mega-Mansion In Dubai's Emirates Hills Amid UK Tax Exodus
🔹 What Is It About:
Indian-born billionaire Lakshmi Mittal has purchased one of Dubai’s most expensive private residences in the ultra-luxury Emirates Hills neighborhood, often dubbed the “Beverly Hills of Dubai.”
The Baroque-style mansion, listed for around $200 million in 2023, was sold earlier this year for roughly half the asking price, according to sources familiar with the matter quoted by Bloomberg.
The home is lavishly adorned with gold leaf interiors and sits in one of Dubai’s most exclusive gated communities.
Mittal, 74, is the executive chairman of ArcelorMittal SA, the world’s second-largest steelmaker, with a net worth of over $23 billion (Bloomberg Billionaires Index).
🔹 Why It Matters:
The deal ranks among Dubai’s priciest residential sales ever, underscoring the city’s growing appeal to the global ultra-rich.
The UAE real estate market—especially the luxury segment—has surged nearly 70% in four years, driven by geopolitical shifts and pandemic-era migrations.
Mittal joins other billionaires like Mukesh Ambani, Nassef Sawiris, and Bart Becht, who have turned to Dubai as an alternative to the UK, where tax reforms have unsettled wealthy residents.
The UK recently scrapped its non-domiciled tax regime, which previously allowed wealthy foreigners to avoid taxes on overseas income—prompting high-profile billionaires to explore residency alternatives.
🔹 What’s Next:
While Mittal has not confirmed a move from the UK, his purchase in Dubai comes amid growing speculation that more high-net-worth individuals could exit Britain due to its shifting tax landscape.
The billionaire’s long-time presence in the UK, philanthropic contributions, and business footprint make any potential relocation a symbolic blow to Britain’s economic elite.
A representative for Mittal confirmed there are no current plans to move his family office, LK Advisers, from London—but the door remains open amid ongoing tax policy uncertainty.
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