Dubai - Dubai-based British expatriate, Alex Brown, said the "bold statement" is bound to stir up anger among the Muslim and non-Muslim communities alike.
Published: Tue 8 Dec 2015, 11:00 PM
Last updated: Wed 9 Dec 2015, 2:17 PM
As a businessman, US presidential candidate Donald Trump has been referred to as 'successful', 'impressive' and 'a powerhouse'.
But Dubai expatriates are leaning more towards 'idiotic' and 'ignorant' following his latest presidential election tirade.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris, London and California, Trump sparked another furious backlash on Monday when he called for all Muslims to be banned from entering the US.
The outspoken Republican candidate said the ban should apply to immigrants, refugees and tourists alike, as it was now difficult to decipher a Muslim's hate for the country.
The controversial statement comes on the back of a long line of similar outbursts including his views on Mexican immigrants in the US.
RELATED NEWS: DONALD TRUMP
Shame on you, Donald Trump
It's time to call Trump a terrorist
Muslims around world decry Trump's proposal to keep them out
Trump's latest tirade: Bar Muslims from entering US
Most Americans see Muslims like any other group: Poll
Why should Muslims face double standards?
Time for Republicans to dump Trump
But for Emirati, Ahmed Mufta, such claims should be met with little reaction. "America is a country largely made up of hard working immigrants. I pay little attention to such ridiculous statements."
And given that Trump is in the running for president, he believes it's all just for hype. "Such talk is for the media. He just wants to give them something to talk about to keep him in the spotlight. I think those who do react should just laugh."
For Canadian expatriate, Dave Marosi, Trump's most recent call is "quite indicative" of the current state of America's political culture.
"On one hand you have Donald Trump; a racist, bigot trying to throw down policies that were laid down in Nuremberg in the 1930s. On the other hand you have Hillary Clinton who has gone so far down the road of political correctness that you can't take either of them seriously."
However, Dubai-based British expatriate, Alex Brown, said the "bold statement" is bound to stir up anger among the Muslim and non-Muslim communities alike.
"A statement like that will only create anger towards Trump himself, not the US. To be honest though, a ban like that will never happen"
But for the minority, he said, it could cause a negative reaction.
"Insensitive comments like this could lead to some uproar in the US. All in all it was a silly and idiotic thing to come out with."
Ridiculed on social media
Across the UAE on Monday and Tuesday, social media was abuzz with reactions following Trump's statement.
Jessy El Murr tweeted her frustrations about Trump's prospective ties in the Middle East: "#Trump considering new investments in #UAE #Qatar #KSA while calling for ban on #Muslims from #UAE. Think Much?"
And @Alexblx urged property owners in the UAE to boycott Damac's latest luxury real estate, Akoya by Trump.
"ALL #Dubai #UAE and #ME home buyers must boycott the fascist demagogue #Trump and his contaminated products ..."
In a statement to Khaleej Times on Tuesday, senior vice-president of Damac Properties, Niall McLoughlin, said: "We would like to stress that our agreement is with the Trump Organisation as one of the premium golf course operators in the world and as such we would not comment further on Mr Trump's personal or political agenda, nor comment on the internal American political debate scene."
RELATED NEWS:CALIFORNIA SHOOTING
Tashfeen Malik: From 'happy' bride to killer
California shooter woman attended madrassa in Pakistan
'We feel ashamed': Pakistani relatives of California shooter
Woman in California shooting had become more devout
California shooter woman lived in Saudi for years
California massacre shooter pledged allegiance to Daesh
California shooter had terror ties: Reports
Two suspects dead after 14 killed in California shooting
Just this month, the Trump World Golf Club in Dubai - currently under development at the 55-million square foot lifestyle community, AKOYA Oxygen - was named the best golf course in the region at the Arabian Property Awards.
It will also vie for the title of the 'world's best' next month, but following his latest tirade, only time will tell as to how well it will do now.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
