The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted a conversation with The Honorable Martina Strong, U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E., on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C. Ambassador Strong briefed over 100 senior representatives from U.S. and U.A.E. companies, and the think tank community, on the historic visit to Washington D.C. this week by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. His Highness is the first sitting U.A.E. President to visit the White House, where he met with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. His visit also includes meetings with key leaders on Capitol Hill today.
Ambassador Strong discussed the “geoeconomic” focus of His Highness’s visit and the momentum it has created for new and expanded bilateral partnerships in a number of verticals and sectors. She discussed key themes and priorities that were highlighted in the meetings between U.S. leaders and H.H. Sheikh Mohamed including continued U.S.-U.A.E. partnership in the areas of advanced technology, artificial intelligence, investments, and space exploration.
Ambassador Strong noted the “roadmap” the two countries have created for expanded cooperation in the areas of advanced technology and artificial intelligence. During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, U.A.E. National Security Advisor, and Jake Sullivan, U.S. Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, reaffirmed the commitment between the United States and the U.A.E. to promote cooperation in advanced technology and artificial intelligence. Ambassador Strong emphasized that both countries will jointly maximize the opportunities with AI, especially as a tool for economic growth, while also keeping in mind the security concerns that must be addressed. She commended the role industry has played in shaping this process.
Ambassador Strong highlighted recent bilateral investments in clean energy and technology, including Microsoft’s investment in U.A.E. tech giant G42, G42 and Microsoft’s joint investment in Kenya, and Microsoft’s partnership with BlackRock and newly created U.A.E. technology investment vehicle MGX. She also spoke of the depth and breadth of bilateral healthcare collaborations, noting that Children’s National Hospital was the first stop for His Highness when he landed in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, September 22.
Space exploration between the United States and the U.A.E. is another priority area that was discussed during the White House meetings. She observed that the U.A.E. has become “seized with the promise of space,” especially following the return of H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi from his mission to the International Space Station.
Ambassador Strong noted the clear alignment between the United States and the U.A.E. in terms of utilizing diplomacy to resolve regional conflicts, whether in Gaza, Lebanon, or Sudan. She remarked that the U.A.E. may not get enough credit for its humanitarian efforts, particularly in Gaza. Moreover, she praised the U.A.E. for its farsighted and continued commitment to strategic initiatives such as the Abraham Accords, the Indian-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI).
Ambassador Strong advised industry representatives in attendance to build upon the momentum from His Highness’ visit to help advance their business, trade, and investment interests. She stressed that the U.S. Mission to the U.A.E. is always willing to help propel industry forward, concluding the session with the exhortation, “Let’s get to work.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday, September 23, 2024. Members of His Highness’ delegation to the United States included His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, U.A.E. National Security Advisor and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi; His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, U.A.E. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the U.A.E. Executive Affairs Authority; and H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, U.A.E. Ambassador to the United States. For more information about this historic visit, please see here for a recent report published by the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council.
For questions about this event, please contact Amira Siddiqi at asiddiqi@usuaebusiness.org.
