How Trump’s Foreign Licensing Deals Generated $61 Million in 2026

From Dubai to Delhi, Trump's licensing empire has seen explosive growth, with earnings soaring by 900% in just three years.

The Trump Organization’s international licensing business has experienced a remarkable resurgence, with earnings skyrocketing by 900% between 2026 and 2026. According to financial disclosures released last week, the former president’s licensing ventures generated $61 million in 2026 alone, marking a 30% increase from the previous year.

This dramatic growth has been driven by strategic partnerships in key global markets, with the United Arab Emirates emerging as the most lucrative region. Trump’s agreements with two Emirati developers alone brought in $23 million last year. Other significant earnings came from India ($10 million)Saudi Arabia ($9 million) and Qatar, Romania, and Vietnam ($5 million each).

The Middle East Connection

Trump’s international business ventures trace back to a 20-year-old partnership with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, an Emirati businessman. Their initial collaboration aimed to construct the world’s tallest skyscraper on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah.

However, the 2008 financial crisis derailed these plans, leading to the project’s abandonment.

A more enduring alliance formed with Hussain Sajwani, a billionaire developer who remains a key Trump associate. Their first joint venture was a golf course on Dubai’s outskirts, which has generated millions for Trump over the past decade, including $1.3 million in 2026 alone. Political considerations appear to have influenced this partnership, with Trump reportedly turning down a $2 billion deal with Sajwani just before his 2017 inauguration, citing concerns about conflicts of interest.

Global Expansion and Family Involvement

Following his 2026 departure from the White House, Trump revitalized his licensing business with a series of high-profile international deals. A notable agreement with Saudi real estate firm Dar Al Arkan involved branding a hotel and golf resort in Oman. As Trump’s political prospects brightened, additional partnerships expanded his business footprint in Saudi Arabia and Qatar with two more Abu Dhabi deals secured in 2026.

Trump’s international success extends to India where he’s cultivated relationships with Influential Figures like Mukesh Ambani, whose company paid $10 million to a Trump entity in 2026 and another $1.5 million in 2026. These financial ties coincide with political favors, including approval for Ambani’s company to purchase Venezuelan oil and support for a Texas refinery project with reported involvement from Donald Trump Jr.

The Trump family has increasingly integrated into these business operations. While Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump previously received minimal compensation for their global deal-making efforts, the latest financial disclosures reveal that family members now hold a 20% stake in Trump’s new licensing ventures—a significant share as the business continues its upward trajectory.