Khalaf Al Habtoor, founder and chairman of Al Habtoor Group, has written an open letter to US President Donald Trump demanding answers about the decision to drag the Gulf and Middle East into military conflict with Iran.
Published in Arabic on X on Thursday, 5 March 2026, the letter is one of the most direct public challenges from a prominent Gulf business figure to the American president since the US-Israel strikes on Iran began on 28 February.
Al Habtoor’s central question is blunt: “Who gave you permission to turn our region into a battlefield?”
What Did Al Habtoor Say?
The Dubai-based billionaire accused Trump of placing the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab countries at the centre of a danger they did not choose.
“You have placed the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab countries at the heart of a danger they did not choose. Thank God, we are strong and capable of defending ourselves. We have armies and defences that protect our homelands. But the question remains: Who gave you permission to turn our region into a battlefield?”
Al Habtoor also questioned whether Trump acted alone in deciding to go to war, or whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu influenced the decision.
The letter pointed out that the conflict threatens not just people in the Middle East, but also American citizens who were promised peace and prosperity. Instead, they now find themselves funding a war through their taxes.
The Cost of War: $40–$65 Billion in Direct Operations
Al Habtoor cited figures from the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), putting the estimated cost of the conflict at $40 to $65 billion for direct military operations alone. If the war extends to four or five weeks, the economic impact — including indirect losses — could reach $210 billion.
These figures carry weight for UAE residents and businesses. The conflict has already disrupted flights, pushed oil prices higher, forced schools onto distance learning, and triggered air defence operations across the UAE in response to Iranian missile and drone attacks.
The UAE has been subjected to more than 1,000 attacks since hostilities began on 28 February. Three fatalities — Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationals — and 68 injuries have been confirmed. UAE air defences have intercepted the vast majority of incoming threats.
Broken Promises: 658 Airstrikes in One Year
Al Habtoor directly challenged Trump’s campaign rhetoric of avoiding foreign wars. According to his letter, Trump ordered military interventions during his second term in seven countries: Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria, Syria, Iran, and Venezuela — in addition to naval operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
The letter stated that Trump directed more than 658 foreign airstrikes in his first year of his second term — a figure equal to the total airstrikes conducted during the entire Biden presidency. This is notable because Trump repeatedly criticised Biden for involving the United States in foreign conflicts.
Al Habtoor warned that these decisions have already hit Trump’s domestic standing, with approval ratings declining approximately nine per cent in 400 days.
“These numbers say something clear: Even within the US, there is growing concern about being dragged into a new war, and about exposing the lives of Americans, their economy, and their future to unnecessary risks.”
Who Will Pay for the Damage?
In a separate message on X, Al Habtoor raised the question of accountability for the damage inflicted on Gulf states and the broader Middle East.
“Who will pay the price for the tensions imposed on us as a result of a conflict we have no part in among Iran, America and Israel?”
He argued that the entire region is bearing the consequences of a three-party conflict it did not create — affecting economies, security, and the stability of populations across the Gulf.
“Our economies, our security, and the stability of our peoples are not arenas for settling scores among the great powers. We are advocates of stability and peace, and we did not choose to be part of this confrontation. Yet we find ourselves paying the price for an escalation we did not create.”
The statement reflects a broader frustration shared across the Gulf. The UAE has consistently called for de-escalation and dialogue, yet finds itself absorbing the consequences of a military decision made by Washington and Tel Aviv.
Why This Matters for UAE Residents
Al Habtoor’s letter gives voice to a concern shared by millions of people living in the UAE — including the 8.5 million expats who call the Emirates home.
The economic consequences of the conflict are already tangible:
Flights remain heavily disrupted. Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia have suspended commercial operations with limited emergency corridor flights. The GCAA is managing limited departures, but normal aviation has not resumed. Understanding your flight cancellation rights during conflicts remains critical.
Oil prices have surged. Brent crude was at $71.38 before the strikes. With the Strait of Hormuz under pressure and active hostilities ongoing, fuel costs are expected to climb further — directly affecting transport, goods, and the cost of living across the UAE.
Schools are closed. Distance learning has been extended nationwide until at least 6 March, affecting every public and private school and university.
Financial markets were disrupted. Nasdaq Dubai only reopened on 4 March after a multi-day closure.
Investment confidence is at risk. Dubai has spent years building its reputation as a global wealth hub attracting millionaires and billionaires. With $1.1 trillion in liquid wealth and 86,000 resident millionaires, the stakes for Dubai’s economy are enormous. Prolonged regional instability could slow the wealth migration trends that have fuelled the emirate’s growth.
The UAE’s $2.49 trillion in sovereign wealth assets — the third-largest in the world — provides a strong economic buffer. But Al Habtoor’s point is clear: that buffer shouldn’t be needed to absorb the consequences of a war the UAE didn’t start.
Al Habtoor Group: A History of Speaking Out
Khalaf Al Habtoor is not a typical business figure when it comes to public commentary. The Al Habtoor Group chairman has long been vocal on local, regional, and global issues, and funds a think tank focused on policy solutions.
His willingness to publicly challenge a sitting US president is unusual in the Gulf business community and reflects the depth of frustration within the UAE’s private sector about the conflict’s impact on regional stability.
The Al Habtoor Group operates across hospitality, real estate, automotive, and education — all sectors directly affected by the current disruptions. Hotels face cancelled bookings, real estate investors face uncertainty, and automotive operations are hit by supply chain disruptions and rising fuel costs.
Key Takeaway
UAE billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor has publicly challenged US President Trump in an open letter, asking “Who gave you permission to turn our region into a battlefield?” He cited war costs of $40–$65 billion in direct military operations and up to $210 billion including indirect losses. The letter highlights 658 foreign airstrikes in Trump’s first year, military interventions in seven countries, and declining US approval ratings. For UAE residents, the conflict has disrupted flights, schools, markets, and daily life — despite the Emirates having no part in the US-Israel-Iran confrontation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Khalaf Al Habtoor?
Khalaf Al Habtoor is the founder and chairman of Al Habtoor Group, one of the UAE’s largest conglomerates operating across hospitality, real estate, automotive, and education. He is a prominent Dubai-based billionaire known for publicly commenting on regional and global political issues.
What did Al Habtoor say to Trump?
In an open letter published on X on 5 March 2026, Al Habtoor questioned Trump’s authority to drag the Gulf into war with Iran. He asked who gave permission to turn the region into a battlefield and demanded accountability for the economic and human costs imposed on countries that did not choose this conflict.
How much is the Iran war estimated to cost?
Al Habtoor cited Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) estimates of $40–$65 billion for direct military operations. If the war lasts four to five weeks, the total cost including indirect economic losses could reach $210 billion.
Is the UAE participating in the war?
No. The UAE has explicitly stated it is not participating in the conflict and has not allowed its territory, waters, or airspace to be used for attacks on Iran. However, it has been subjected to over 1,000 attacks and is defending itself under its right to self-defence.
How has the war affected UAE businesses?
Flights are suspended or severely limited, schools have moved to distance learning, Nasdaq Dubai was temporarily closed, oil prices have surged, and supply chains face pressure. Tourism, real estate, and trade sectors are all experiencing disruptions. The GCAA is managing limited emergency corridor flights.
How many countries has Trump conducted military operations in during his second term?
According to Al Habtoor’s letter, Trump ordered military interventions in seven countries: Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria, Syria, Iran, and Venezuela — plus naval operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. He directed more than 658 foreign airstrikes in his first year, matching Biden’s entire four-year total.
Further Reading
- Iran-Israel Conflict: UAE Flight Cancellation Rights & Rebooking Guide
- Is Dubai Safe to Visit Now? Travel Advisory & Safety Guide
- Dubai Ranks 4th Wealthiest City EMEA: 86,000 Millionaires
- UAE Ranks Third Globally in Sovereign Wealth Assets Worth $2.49T
- UAE Cost of Living 2025: 6 Major Price Increases Affecting Residents
- UAE Billionaire Wealth Soars to Dh509bn: 2024 Wealth Report
- UAE Fights Fake News: 70% More Shares Than Real News
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