His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, U.A.E. Ambassador to the U.S., had the honor of hosting Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22), the Honorable Jack Seiler, Mayor of Ft. Lauderdale, and the Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce for a reception on September 26th. Tuesday’s reception highlighted Emirates Airline’s popular route between Dubai and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Over seventy guests representing the Florida business community had an opportunity to hear first-hand from Congressman Deutch, Saud Al Nowais, U.A.E. Commercial and Trade Attaché, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, and Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, about the strength of the overall bilateral trade and commercial relationship.
H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, U.A.E. Ambassador to the U.S. and The Honorable Jack Seiler, Mayor of Ft. Lauderdale with delegates representing the Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
“With $1.5 billion in goods shipped in 2016 alone, Florida is one of the largest exporting states to the U.A.E. And with nine direct flights a week from the U.A.E. (including four to Ft. Lauderdale) we are glad to see the business and tourism traffic on these routes continue to grow,” said Saud Al Nowais. “Across aviation, shipping, and outer space, to name just a few sectors, we share a robust and growing relationship with the state of Florida that is based not only on economic impact, but more importantly on our shared values and goodwill.”
“We are honored to be hosted by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates for this important Washington summit of South Florida community and business leaders,” said Congressman Ted Deutch. “The U.A.E. is a vital partner of the United States, from their support of our global counterterrorism efforts to the extensive economic and trade relations between our countries. Our work this evening will help strengthen the relationship between South Florida and the Emirates, including by encouraging greater trade ties and expanded tourism opportunities.”
Congressman Ted Deutch (FL-22); The Honorable Jack Seiler, Mayor of Ft. Lauderdale; and Dan Lindblade, President and CEO of the Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce with Saud Al Nowais, Commercial and Trade Attaché, U.A.E. Embassy; and Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council
During Mr. Sebright’s remarks, he noted the importance of the trade relationship between Florida and the U.A.E. “We are proud to have two of the U.A.E.’s most recognized organizations operate in Florida,” said Danny Sebright. “Emirates Airline operates not only in Ft. Lauderdale, but in Orlando as well. These two gateways have provided Florida-based businesses with direct access to markets all over the Middle East region, Africa, and Asia. In addition, Emirates Airline’s arrival to Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando has brought a combined estimate of $205 million of economic activity and created upwards of 2,500 American jobs. And coupled with Gulftainer USA’s state-of-the-art port operations, it’s no wonder that Florida is the 5th largest exporter to the U.A.E.”
During the remainder of the evening, U.A.E. officials and the Florida delegation continued to discuss ways to strengthen the bilateral trade and commercial relationship in a range of sectors including healthcare, real estate development, education, and finance.
For more information about Emirates Airline’s non-stop service between Dubai and Fort Lauderdale, please click here.
For more information about Emirates Airline’s non-stop service between Dubai and Orlando, please click here.
