On 16 April 2020, U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E. John Rakolta Jr. held an important and timely Webex video conference  about the Covid-19 situation with members of AmCham Abu Dhabi, AmCham Dubai, and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council.

During this video conference, which was hosted by the U.S. Mission in the U.A.E., the Ambassador began by lauding U.S.-U.A.E. coordination in combatting the global pandemic, which he said was a testament to the strength and importance of the bilateral relationship. He then thanked healthcare professionals in both countries for their selfless dedication and hard work. Ambassador Rakolta also praised the U.S. Mission in the U.A.E. and essential American and Emirati companies for providing services to Americans residing in the U.A.E. during this difficult time.

Then, Ambassador Rakolta addressed the impact on the U.A.E. business environment  of the crisis, focusing his remarks on what he sees as challenges and opportunities for U.S. companies in the U.A.E., and for the overall bilateral relationship during and after this pandemic.

Turning to Expo 2020 Dubai, the Ambassador said the likely one year postponement of the event will mean that the U.S. Pavilion team will have more time to think of creative ways to showcase the best of American ingenuity and innovation. Ambassador Rakolta has been appointed Commissioner General for the U.S. Pavilion.

Following his remarks, Ambassador Rakolta heard suggestions and questions from American business executives that were collected from member companies on  the evolving situation and how  U.S. businesses can help address this crisis in the U.A.E. 

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Rakolta thanked the three business councils and stressed their critical role in bolstering the U.S.-U.A.E. bilateral relationship.

The video call was attended by over 350 senior executives from key American and Emirati technology, energy, healthcare, defense, logistics, finance, and aviation companies as well as by U.S. and U.A.E. government officials.

AmCham Abu Dhabi, AmCham Dubai, and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council express their gratitude to Ambassador Rakolta for his continued commitment to the U.S. business community and U.S.-U.A.E. trade & commercial relationship during this challenging period.