The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates the Honorable Michael H. Corbin for breakfast in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.  The closed-door policy discussion brought sixty senior executives and key government officials from both countries together to discuss recent economic and political developments impacting U.S.-U.A.E. trade, commerce, and business.

“The United States and the United Arab Emirates boast a strong diplomatic, strategic, and commercial connection fueling economic, cultural, and social relationships between the two countries,” said Ambassador Corbin.  “In recent months, we have seen these partnerships deepen as the global market continues to stabilize and in the face of shared threats to regional security in the broader Middle East.”

Following an introduction from U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright, Ambassador Corbin delivered his perspectives on the development of the U.S.-U.A.E. commercial relationship within a regional and global context.  In doing so, Ambassador Corbin pointed to hallmark U.S.-U.A.E. partnerships in healthcare, higher education, commercial aerospace and defense, infrastructure, energy, transportation, and other key sectors underpinning economic development in both countries.  Ambassador Corbin concluded his remarks by reflecting on his tenure to date in the U.A.E., emphasizing confidence that the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate in Dubai would continue to enhance programs geared towards advocating on behalf of American business operating in the U.A.E.

“After three years as U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E., I am confident that the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council will continue to serve as a platform for increased transparency and enhanced business-to-government dialogue between public and private sector stakeholders driving the commercial agenda,” said Ambassador Corbin.  “More broadly, opportunities for U.S.-U.A.E. commercial partnership and investment will increase as we approach World Expo 2020 and milestones outlined by the U.A.E.’s Vision 2021 and Abu Dhabi’s 2030 economic development plans.”

Following the formal program, Sebright opened the floor for questions and encouraged the audience to engage Ambassador Corbin on important topics and issues.  During the Q&A session, executives and officials discussed key areas of commercial partnership, opportunities for increased investment, the impact of regional politics on trade, and the U.A.E.’s participation in the U.S.-led global coalition’s fight against the growing threat of Islamic extremism.