The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, in partnership with the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), AmCham Abu Dhabi, and the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, co-hosted the U.S. Ambassador’s Reception on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. Over three hundred senior U.S. government officials and private-sector guests representing a wide range of U.S. defense industries attended the reception at the Ambassador’s official residence on the margins of the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX). The guests were received by the Honorable Barbara Leaf, U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E., Lieutenant General Patricia McQuistion, Vice President for Membership of the AUSA, Mr. Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, and Mr. Sharief Fahmy, Chairman of AmCham Abu Dhabi.

From Right to Left: The Honorable Barbara Leaf, U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E., Lieutenant General Patricia McQuistion, Vice President of Membership of AUSA,
Mr. Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, and Mr. Sharief Fahmy, Chairman of AmCham Abu Dhabi

Brigadier General Joseph Rank introduced Ambassador Leaf, who kicked-off the reception by thanking the honored guests for their attendance and for their strong participation in this year’s IDEX before underscoring the ever-growing U.S.-U.A.E. bilateral trade relationship.

“I was so proud to cut the ribbon to open the official USA Pavilion today,” said Ambassador Leaf. “America has the largest presence at IDEX this year, with over 110 U.S. companies showcasing the latest in innovation and state-of-the-art technologies.  Visits like yours have been and continue to be an important component of strengthening the defense and commercial ties between our two countries.”

“With nearly $27 billion in two-way trade, the U.A.E. is America’s largest export market in the Middle East for the eighth year running. U.S. exports to the U.A.E. reached $22 billion, our third largest trade surplus worldwide, and supported over 130,000 American jobs.”

The Honorable Barbara A. Leaf, U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E. addressing over 300 U.S. Pavilion exhibitors and U.S. government officials

Following Ambassador Leaf’s keynote address, Lieutenant General Patricia McQuistion underscored the important role AUSA plays as the USA pavilion organizer for the last 20 years before thanking her staff for their hard work and commitment.

“This year, IDEX has brought together 106 American exhibitors with 43 new and 63 returning companies who also benefit from hearing from Commerce, Defense, and State Department officials, as well as local businesses, while participating at IDEX.”

Lieutenant General Patricia McQuistion applauds U.S. companies exhibiting at this year’s IDEX

Ambassador Leaf concluded the evening reception by giving a special thanks to Lieutenant General McQuistion, Mr. Sebright, and Mr. Fahmy as well as thanking the honored guests for their participation.