Arab officials and businessmen are warning that growing opposition to Dubai Ports World's acquisition of US container terminals may cause Arab investors to think twice before putting their money in the US.

A number of top officials and businessmen in the region also suggested that there might be calls for retaliatory measures against US companies should the deal, which is part of DP World's £3.92bn ($6.8bn, €5.7bn) takeover of the British company P&O, be blocked by Congress.