The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council was delighted to support the Chamber of Digital Commerce’s Certified Trade Mission to the United Arab Emirates with the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Trade Mission, which took place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from 31 September to 5 October 2017, included key representatives from Bloq, Cisco, CMT Digital, Cognizant, Gem, Hogan Lovells, and Netki, who were focused on learning more about Blockchain and FinTech opportunities in the Emirates to help implement Dubai’s Block Chain Strategy.  The delegation’s extensive tour included meetings with senior government officials and leadership from Abu Dhabi Global Market, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, The Central Bank of the U.A.E., Al Etihad Credit Bureau, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Mubadala Investment Company in Abu Dhabi as well as Dubai South, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, Dubai Gold Commodities Exchange, Smart Dubai, Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Future Accelerators, BitOasis, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Emirates NBD and Majid Al Futtaim in Dubai.

The Honorable Barbara A. Leaf, U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E., addresses the Blockchain & FinTech delegation at a dinner hosted in her residence in their honor on Tuesday, October 3, 2017

“This mission comes at an exciting time,” said U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E. Barbara A. Leaf. “Leading U.S. financial technology providers are here to share the latest in blockchain technology developments with U.A.E. banks, investment firms, and government agencies to ensure the integrity of financial transactions. U.S. financial technology firms are uniquely poised to assist Dubai ‘s vision of becoming one of the world’s first governments to use this technology.”

Ms. Perianne Boring, Founder and President, of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, and Dao M. Le, Senior Commercial Officer for the Gulf to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, discuss opportunities for partnership by U.S. companies with Emirati institutions and companies

The U.A.E. represents a progressive view in the Middle East toward innovation and Blockchain technologies. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, The Crown Prince of Dubai, envisions Dubai as the first blockchain-powered government in the world by 2020 as part of the Dubai Blockchain Strategy.

Please see below for the Digital Chamber’s Press Release:

CHAMBER OF DIGITAL COMMERCE LEADS THE FIRST BLOCKCHAIN CERTIFIED TRADE MISSION TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Washington, DC, October 3, 2017 – The Chamber of Digital Commerce, together with the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), are leading the first blockchain DOC-certified trade mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on October 1 through October 5, 2017.

The blockchain trade mission will include a delegation of members of Chamber of Digital Commerce with representatives from Bloq, Cisco, CMT Digital, Cognizant, Gem, Hogan Lovells and Netki. A key part of the mission will be focused on increasing US-based companies presence in the UAE to help collaborate in implementing the “Dubai Blockchain Strategy,” a vision to make Dubai the first blockchain-powered government in the world by 2020.

“This mission comes at an exciting time,” said U.S. Ambassador to the UAE Barbara A. Leaf. “Leading U.S. financial technology providers are here to share the latest in blockchain technology developments with UAE banks, investment firms, and government agencies to ensure the integrity of financial transactions. U.S. financial technology firms are uniquely poised to assist Dubai ‘s vision of becoming one of the world’s first governments to use this technology.”

“The UAE represents a progressive view in blockchain adoption, and serves as a great example for other governments around the world,” said Perianne Boring, founder and president, Chamber of Digital Commerce. “We look forward to creating new business opportunities and partnerships, thereby advancing global adoption of blockchain technology.”

The blockchain trade mission is a week-long event in the UAE, custom curated by the Chamber of Digital Commerce with support from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and the Embassy of the UAE. The trade mission will include a series of private meetings, briefings and engagements with government officials and UAE-based businesses to promote the growth of US-business and blockchain in the UAE.

About the Chamber of Digital Commerce

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Chamber of Digital Commerce is the world’s largest trade association representing the digital asset and blockchain industry. For more information, please visit: DigitalChamber.org.

About the International Trade Administration

The International Trade Administration is the frontline trade promotion agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Located across the U.S. and in U.S. Embassies and Consulates in nearly 80 countries, its global network of trade professionals connects U.S. companies with international buyers, providing them with market intelligence, trade counseling, business matchmaking, advocacy/commercial diplomacy support. From 2010 to 2016, the International Trade Administration’s assistance to U.S. businesses played a significant role in achieving over $300 billion in U.S. exports and over $23 billion in inward foreign direct investment supporting an estimated 1.7 million jobs.