Live updates: Follow the latest on Trump's Gulf trip
Donald Trump may not always be the most predictable politician, but one thing has remained constant throughout his life in the public eye – his devotion to a blue suit.
He’s in good company. A mid-shade of blue is a favourite among world leaders and executives alike, known for conveying confidence, reliability and authority. Trump typically favours royal or navy hues, establishing a long-time uniform of a two-button, single-breasted jacket paired with a crisp white shirt and a red tie – famously worn far longer than the conventional waist-length. The tie is so synonymous with him that he now sells a $125 version via the Trump Store.
Occasionally, he strays from this formula. He’s been spotted in mid-blue and striped lilac ties. Notably, when he arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for his first Gulf visit since retaking office, he stepped off Air Force One wearing a purple tie that echoed the ceremonial purple carpet laid out in his honour – a clear nod to the Asir region’s distinctive florals.
For tailoring, Trump favours two sources. A native New Yorker, he has long sought out Martin Greenfield Clothiers in Brooklyn, which is renowned for its hand-stitched menswear and a client list that includes six American presidents, as well as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Kobe Bryant and even Madonna for her Madame X tour.
His other go-to is Brioni, the Italian sartorial institution known for its low-key prestige and exceptional craftsmanship. Each suit follows a 220-step process and includes more than 7,000 concealed hand stitches. Brioni is no stranger to high-flying clients either, having dressed two James Bonds: Pierce Brosnan for films from GoldenEye in 1995 to Die Another Day in 2002, as well as Daniel Craig in Casino Royale.
Trump has long been vocal in his admiration. In his 2004 book Think Like a Billionaire, he declared: “I’ve worn some great shirts over the years, but I now favour Brioni (the same brand as my favourite suits). Brioni shirts are fitted so they feel and look great.” He added that Brioni “graciously” supplied his wardrobe for The Apprentice.
Yet, Trump’s preference for oversized, near mid-thigh jackets runs counter to Brioni’s house aesthetic. Given that a bespoke Brioni suit costs upwards of $7,000, one might expect immaculate fit and structure. In 2016, Brioni addressed this dissonance, telling fashion industry publication WWD that while it makes custom suits for Trump, the “silhouette and fabrics follow his personal requirements". In other words, Brioni defers to Trump’s taste – not the other way around.
His appearance in Saudi Arabia marked a noticeable shift. His royal blue suit featured a far more flattering cut. The silhouette was sharper, cleaner and markedly more presidential. Whether this signals a permanent evolution or a one-off sartorial high point remains to be seen.
Brioni may be built on discretion and craftsmanship, but it’s not without an edge. In 2016, it made headlines when newly appointed creative director Justin O’Shea signed Metallica – who will perform in Abu Dhabi in December during Formula One weekend – as the face of the brand. “We are beyond thrilled to have been invited to be the face of Italian menswear powerhouse Brioni,” the band announced. The brand’s roll call of clients includes Rami Malek, Chris Hemsworth, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Costner, Oscar Isaac, John Krasinski and Jude Law.
Still, for all its celebrity cachet, the Trump connection remains a double-edged sword. To dress one of the most recognisable figures in global politics is, undoubtedly, a publicity boon. But when that figure occasionally goes viral for an ill-fitting suit or a rumpled appearance, the alignment becomes more complicated.
Trump appears entirely unfazed. Outside of the sharper Saudi look, his wardrobe still leans baggy and boxy. In March 2024, memorabilia site Goldin sold one of his old Brioni suits – worn during his 2016–2020 term – for $9,394. The complete set included a shirt, two ties and a Brooks Brothers suit bag. Inside the jacket, a woven label read “Brioni for Donald J Trump".
Perhaps the clearest indicator of Trump’s fashion philosophy lies in that label – not about where the suit comes from, but how it wears on his terms.
The specs: 2018 Audi RS5
Price, base: Dh359,200
Engine: 2.9L twin-turbo V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 450hp at 5,700rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 1,900rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Jawan
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Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Brief scores:
Day 2
England: 277 & 19-0
West Indies: 154
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Bio:
Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour
Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people
Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite food: Fish and vegetables
Favourite place to visit: London
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mountain%20Boy
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Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
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Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The biog
Name: Mohammed Imtiaz
From: Gujranwala, Pakistan
Arrived in the UAE: 1976
Favourite clothes to make: Suit
Cost of a hand-made suit: From Dh550
The Energy Research Centre
Founded 50 years ago as a nuclear research institute, scientists at the centre believed nuclear would be the “solution for everything”.
Although they still do, they discovered in 1955 that the Netherlands had a lot of natural gas. “We still had the idea that, by 2000, it would all be nuclear,” said Harm Jeeninga, director of business and programme development at the centre.
"In the 1990s, we found out about global warming so we focused on energy savings and tackling the greenhouse gas effect.”
The energy centre’s research focuses on biomass, energy efficiency, the environment, wind and solar, as well as energy engineering and socio-economic research.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Scoreline
Liverpool 4
Oxlade-Chamberlain 9', Firmino 59', Mane 61', Salah 68'
Manchester City 3
Sane 40', Bernardo Silva 84', Gundogan 90' 1
APPLE IPAD MINI (A17 PRO)
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LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
match info
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Muniain 37')
Atletico Madrid 1 (Costa 39')
Man of the match Iker Muniain (Athletic Bilbao)
Avengers: Endgame
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin
4/5 stars
The%20specs
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A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
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Price: On request
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
