Trump's name, image removed at Dubai development amid uproar

DUBAI: The image and name of American presidential hopeful Donald Trump was gone on Friday from parts of a Dubai golf course and housing development amid the uproar over his comments about banning Muslims from traveling to the United States.

A billboard showing Trump golfing had been at the Damac Properties' Akoya development, as well as an image of Trump's daughter Ivanka. All that remained Friday was the brown background, though another billboard declaring the development "The Beverly Hills of Dubai" remained.

Also, pieces of letters that appeared to spell out Trump's name had been pulled down from a stone wall, the letters left lying on the sandy ground.

Damac Properties declined to comment. It earlier said it "would not comment further on Mr Trump's personal or political agenda, nor comment on the internal American political debate scene."

Trump has for years looked to do business in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf and the emirate of Dubai. But some of his rhetoric about Islam on the campaign trail — including his call to monitor mosques and his proposal this week to temporarily bar Muslims from entering the US — has led to increased wariness in the Arab world.

Earlier this week, Dubai-based Landmark Group pulled all Trump home decor products at its 180 Lifestyle stores over his comments.