Blockchain Lets Investors Buy into Trump's Maldives Resort

The Trump Organization has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Saudi real estate developer Dar Global to tokenize a luxury resort project in the Maldives, marking a significant step in leveraging blockchain technology for real estate investment. The Trump International Hotel Maldives, set to open by late 2028, will feature 80 ultra-luxury beachfront and overwater villas and will allow investors to purchase digital shares during the development phase, rather than waiting for project completion. This approach, which tokenizes the development itself, aims to democratize access to high-value real estate while enhancing liquidity and transparency according to reports.

The project, located just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldivian capital, Malé, represents a strategic expansion for the Trump brand into Asia and underscores Saudi Arabia's growing role in blockchain innovation. Eric Trump, the Trump Organization's executive vice president, emphasized that the initiative "sets a new benchmark for innovation" in real estate investment through tokenization. Dar Global, a London-listed subsidiary of a Saudi developer, will co-develop the resort, leveraging its expertise in luxury hospitality and blockchain-based financial structures.

The Trump-Saudi alliance aligns with broader efforts by Saudi Arabia to diversify its economy under Vision 2030, which prioritizes digital transformation and technological advancement. The Kingdom has recently accelerated blockchain adoption, including partnerships like the one between European crypto exchange WhiteBIT and Saudi conglomerate Durrah AlFodah Holding. This collaboration aims to tokenize the Saudi stock market, develop a central bank digital currency (CBDC) framework, and establish blockchain data centers according to industry reports. Such initiatives position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in blockchain infrastructure, with over 4,000 commercial blockchain companies registered in 2025.

Tokenization of real estate and financial assets is gaining momentum globally, with estimates suggesting the market could reach $4 trillion by 2035. However, challenges such as regulatory fragmentation and liquidity risks remain as experts have noted. The Maldives project, which allows investors to participate in the development phase, addresses some of these concerns by creating a continuous investment cycle. Dar Global CEO Ziad El Chaar noted that the project "blends luxury, innovation, and technology" in a way that will transform how the world invests in hospitality.

Saudi Arabia's blockchain ambitions extend beyond real estate. The Kingdom recently launched a pilot program with U.S.-based droppRWA to tokenize high-value properties in Riyadh, enabling fractional ownership with minimal investment thresholds according to industry sources. Meanwhile, WhiteBIT's partnership with Durrah AlFodah includes exploring blockchain-based Islamic finance solutions, such as the world's first Islamic repo on a blockchain, previously pioneered by Saudi Awwal Bank. These developments highlight Saudi Arabia's commitment to integrating blockchain into both traditional and emerging financial systems.

The Trump-Saudi tokenization alliance also intersects with geopolitical dynamics. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently raised Saudi Arabia's U.S. investment commitment to $1 trillion during a visit to Washington, where President Trump emphasized deepening economic ties. The timing of the Maldives announcement has drawn scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest, given the Trump family's extensive business connections.

As the Middle East intensifies its blockchain race, the UAE remains a key competitor, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi establishing robust crypto ecosystems. Saudi Arabia's success will depend on attracting global talent and overcoming domestic workforce challenges in blockchain expertise according to industry analysis. Nonetheless, the Trump-Saudi project and parallel initiatives like WhiteBIT's CBDC research underscore the region's ambition to lead the next wave of financial innovation.