Billionaire industrialist and Dangote Group founder, Aliko Dangote, made headlines on Wednesday after being spotted exchanging pleasantries with former U.S. President Donald Trump during the latter’s high-profile visit to Qatar.
A online video shows Dangote being formally introduced to Trump during a ceremonial meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Hamad International Airport in Doha.
Trump’s Dramatic Arrival and High-Stakes Deals
Trump’s arrival in Qatar marked the second leg of his Middle East tour and was anything but subtle. The former president was greeted by a dramatic military escort, which included fighter jets and a fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks—a display that quickly went viral.
The centerpiece of the visit was the signing of a groundbreaking aviation deal between Qatar Airways and Boeing. The agreement includes the purchase of up to 210 jets, with an estimated value of $96 billion, making it one of the largest deals in Boeing’s history.
Dangote’s Surprise Appearance
Though details of the interaction between Dangote and Trump remain private, the Nigerian billionaire’s presence among the VIP guests underscores his global influence in business and diplomacy. The meeting also featured notable American business figures, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who was part of Trump’s business delegation.
A Gift That Sparked Controversy
Another unexpected headline from the visit was Qatar’s presentation of a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft, estimated at $400 million, as a potential replacement for Air Force One. The lavish offer sparked bipartisan debate in the U.S., with lawmakers questioning the legality and diplomatic implications of accepting such a high-value gift from a foreign government.
