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Trump turns down $2bn deal for more Dubai projects

US President-elect cites approach from Dubai developer as he separates himself from global business empire

President-elect Donald Trump claimed in his first press conference with US media since July 2016 that he recently turned down a $2 billion deal with Dubai developer Damac Properties.

He is currently in the process of separating himself from his global business empire before his inauguartion as the 45th President of the United States. He will hand over the reigns to his two older sons  Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr.

Trump, who will enter office on January 20 said he turned down a major offer from Damac chairman Hussein Sajwani.

“Now, I have to say one other thing. Over the weekend, I was offered $2bn to do a deal in Dubai with a very, very, very amazing man, a great, great developer from the Middle East,” Trump said at the press conference.

“Hussain from Damac, a friend of mine, great guy, offered me $2bn to do a deal in Dubai — a number of deals but I turned it down,” he added.

Trump Organisation and Damac have had a business relationship since 2013 when it launched the Trump International Golf Club as part of its $6 billion Akoya development in Dubai, reports sister publication Arabian Business.

Damac senior vice-president Niall McLoughlin issued a statement after the press conference that said: “Damac can confirm that the discussions took place as stated in the media briefing… but the proposals were declined. These proposals were for a variety of different property proposals.”

Earlier this month, Sajwani told NBC News that he was open to deepening his relationship with the Trump brand.