Media
The U.A.E. is increasingly becoming a media hub for the region, serving as a key crossroads and attracting international institutions and partners. Spearheaded by Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, twofour54, the Abu Dhabi-based media conglomerate, is rapidly becoming a major player in the international media and entertainment space.
U.S. entertainment companies recognize the growing prominence and capabilities of the U.A.E. media industry, as well as the ease of doing business and generous production rebates. Hollywood production companies and directors are increasingly partnering with their counterparts in the U.A.E. on major blockbusters. Since 2011, five major Hollywood franchises have been filmed in the U.A.E., including: Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol; Fast Furious 7; Star Wars 7; and Star Trek 3.
Tourism
The U.A.E. is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination, with U.A.E. airports handling more than 100 million passengers in 2014, including visitors from the U.S., Europe, Russia, Asia, and Africa. In addition to some of the best hotels in the world, the U.A.E. is a host to a wide array of international conferences and events, including, but not limited to: the World Future Energy Summit; Arab Health; the International Defense Exhibition & Conference; the Dubai Airshow; and, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Part of the U.A.E.’s extensive tourism growth has been due to its growing role as a global aviation hub. Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline, both members of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, continue to make travel to the U.A.E. more convenient, with the addition of new destinations and non-stop flights. U.A.E. airlines will transport 3 million passengers on more than 250 non-stop flights between the Abu Dhabi and Dubai to 10 U.S. gateways in 2015.
Women
The U.A.E. guarantees equal rights for men and women. Women continue to play a central role in education, government, and business. Including H.E. Noura Al Kaabi, women that play a prominent role in the U.A.E. include:
Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Foreign Trade Minister, who was on Forbes magazine’s 2014 list of the 50 most powerful women in the world.
H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State, and Managing Director of the Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Committee as well as Director General of the Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau.
Dr. Amal Abdullah Al-Qubaisa, the first woman elected as a speaker for the U.A.E. Federal National Council.
Mariam al-Mansouri, the first female fighter pilot in the U.A.E. and one of the first in the U.A.E. Air Force. She has participated in the U.A.E. led mission in airstrikes against ISIS.
The U.A.E. is creating a model for women’s rights in the region. Vital Voices, a Washington-based nongovernmental organization, and the U.S. State Department organized the MENA Businesswomen’s Network. The goal is to build a network of businesswomen, expand the number of women in business, increase the value of their businesses, advance the role of women in society, while promoting a regional culture of women’s entrepreneurship. Among the network’s seven founding members is the Emirates Businesswomen Council, an Honorary member of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council.
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