US residents in the UAE were divided in their responses to Donald Trump taking office as their 47th president.
There were mixed reactions from US residents who watched the inaugural address from their homes in the Emirates as Mr Trump announced steps to boost energy production, build the world’s strongest military, end wars, curb illegal immigration and pull out of the Paris climate accord.
Many US citizens said a secure border and action on illegal immigration was long overdue, while others worry the threat of mass deportations clashes with the idea of an America built by immigrants.
Abu Dhabi resident and grandmother of 14
Abu Dhabi resident Keith Woodhouse said it was refreshing to have a president who said he would take business decisions based on what was right for the country.
“People voted for change; we did not like the direction our country was going in,” said Mr Woodhouse, 64, who works in the healthcare sector. “He talked about improving the economy, being energy independent, tackling inflation, he mentioned two genders – man and woman – so no creating new transgender identities and having them participate in women’s sports.
“It was refreshing to hear not a politician but a businessman [speak] as he makes business decisions for the country, instead of wasteful spending and government mismanagement. This reconfirms that the future is bright and job opportunities will be created in the US.”
Hand of peace
Mr Woodhouse said Mr Trump’s pledge to bring peace to the Middle East was important.
“His international politics is another main reason I voted for him. In his address, he spoke of extending the hand of peace to other countries instead of promoting war,” said Mr Woodhouse, who has lived in the UAE for more than 15 years. “People should give him a chance to implement the policies he ran on, which are good for all Americans like energy independence, stopping illegal immigration, decreasing taxes.”
His wife Georgina Woodhouse, 64, said a secure border and making sure the future was safe for the next generation was vital.
“The word that best describes how I feel is 'hope'. I feel hope for change our country desperately needed after four years,” said Ms Woodhouse. “My hope is our economy will get back on track, we can have a secure border again. It was a terrible national security risk to have millions flooding into our country. Trump won with such huge numbers because people wanted change and spoke in resounding voices all across the country.”
As the child of an immigrant who became a naturalised citizen, she stressed the need to follow the legal process. “Through my father’s eyes, I saw the American dream become a reality. He went through the legal process to become a citizen,” she said. “America welcomes immigrants as long as they go through the process and do it legally.”
About Mr Trump’s America first approach to national security, she supported the need for accountability and said the US needed to care for its own citizens first.
“The US has paid for national security of other countries, it has given away billions to Ukraine without any accountability and that needs to stop,” Ms Woodhouse said. “I’m happy that the US helps other nations. I just feel we need to protect our country and citizens first, secure our borders and strengthen our military. Many countries are not paying their fair share of the cost for their own security.”
Worries about going to ugly places
Others were concerned about the US pulling out of the landmark UN climate agreement and about Mr Trump blaming violent crime on immigrants.
“I have a background in sustainability and it does not feel great to have someone who basically says global warming is all fake, and ‘drill baby drill’,” said Dubai resident Harry Apostoleris, who works in the energy sector. “Also, when you start telling your people that foreigners are the cause of your problem, you can end up in ugly places.
“My feeling about the future is that there will be rough spots. But, we have gone through tough times before and it’s when people come together and look out for each other that we manage to get through this.”
Natalia Miranda, an American marketing and communications professional, said her eight-year-old son’s questions about the new presidency made her mindful of the need to reassure him about the future. The Californian native, who has lived in Dubai for eight years, said the wildfires were a reminder of the urgency of the climate crisis and Mr Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement weighed heavily in her thoughts.
“The climate crisis is no longer an abstract concept. We must consider how decisions made on the global stage will ripple through those that are already on the front lines of this crisis,” she said. Being married to a non-US citizen and having navigated the legal process for residency, Ms Miranda has strong feelings about immigration.
“For many, immigration represents a lifeline – a chance to escape war, violence, and instability for the promise of safety and opportunity. Stricter immigration policies may secure borders, but they also risk closing doors to those who need them most,” said Ms Miranda. “This new chapter in US leadership brings with it hope, apprehension, and a profound sense of responsibility. As a parent, I feel the weight of explaining this moment to my son, shaping his understanding of leadership, empathy, and resilience.”
Himanshi Jesrani Bhatia, an American business development manager born in the UAE, said living in Dubai gave her a unique vantage point. “There is a sense of curiosity mixed with caution as we anticipate how his leadership will unfold,” she said.
“His focus on economic policies could strengthen the dollar. However, his executive orders on immigration and foreign relations have already ignited mixed feelings. These policies feel distant yet impactful, especially in a globally diverse city like Dubai where inclusivity is part of everyday life.
“From here, it’s fascinating to watch the ripple effects of his decisions, knowing they could shape not just the US but international relations in unexpected ways.”
