A major retailer in the
Middle East is dumping Donald Trump after he called for Muslims to be banned
from traveling to the United States.
Lifestyle, a
home decor chain based in Dubai, is removing all Trump-branded products from
the shelves of its 195 outlets across the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan
and Tanzania.
"In light
of the recent statements made by the presidential candidate in the U.S. media,
we have suspended sale of all products from the Trump Home décor range,"
said Lifestyle CEO Sachin Mundhwa. Lifestyle is a subsidiary of Landmark Group.
The Trump
Organization was not immediately available for comment.
Others from
the Middle East business community have also expressed dismay with Trump's
remarks.
"It was a
shocking comment," Dubai property mogul Khalaf Al-Habtoor told CNN.
"These Muslims -- they are investing billions and billions in the United
States and creating jobs for the Americans."
Trump has made
millions through his multiple holdings -- golf resorts and other luxury
properties -- in countries where Islam is the main religion.
"I think
he damaged all his brand in all the Muslim countries ... nobody will accept
him," said Al-Habtoor, who initially had supported Trump.
Still, some of
Trump's biggest business partners are refusing to take sides.
Luxury
developer DAMAC Properties, which is building the Trump International Golf Club
in Dubai, said it would keep business
and politics separate.
"Our
agreement is with the Trump Organization as one of the premium golf course
operators in the world and as such we would not comment further on Mr. Trump's
personal or political agenda, nor comment on the internal American political
debate scene," said Niall McLoughlin, senior vice president at DAMAC
Properties, in a statement.
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