'Opportunities are boundless' Trump Jr. tells graduates in Dubai

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for the American University in Dubai on Sunday, US President Donald Trump's oldest son advised hundreds of students and their families – from mostly Arab and Muslim countries – to live their dreams.

"Your opportunities are now boundless," Trump Jr. said, "Don't let someone's vision of your life get in the way of your dreams."

In his second trip to the emirate since his father became president, Trump Jr. called for diversity during his speech on Sunday. 

"Diversity is in everything we do these days," he said. "But let's make sure that when we talk about diversity, we're also adding diversity of thought into the matrix."

Trump continued: "Don't just accept answers you want to hear. They are often not the right ones."

Concluding his speech, Trump Jr. hoped the students will find the same passion as his father did, adding that "you will be unstoppable".

"We believed in his message, not necessarily the contrived message that was put out there in the media," he said. "It's that work ethic, that passion, that perseverance that I saw in him and I saw him exercise everyday."

His comments were deemed ironic by many on social media.

Trump Jr. has previously made controversial statements about the Muslim world. Last year, a tweet he posted drew heavy criticism.

In September, he posted a picture of skittles sweets and tweeted: "If I had a bowl of skittles and I told you just three would kill you. Would you take a handful? That's our Syrian refugee problem".

"Let's end the politically correct agenda that doesn't put America first," he said.

Trump Jr. has also been a backer of his father's xenophobic rhetoric and policies, including most recently Trump’s Muslim ban.

The order, issued in February, saw people from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, and Libya – including those holding valid visas or green cards – barred from entering the US.

The ban caused international outrage and sparked numerous protests, before it was suspended by US authorities.

Donald Trump however is currently battling with US courts to reinstate the ban.