The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council held a private meeting and industry reception in honor of visiting New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel DIFC in Dubai. Governor Murphy is leading a delegation of New Jersey state officials as well as academic and business leaders to the U.A.E. to strengthen economic, cultural, and academic ties and partnerships. U.S. Consul General in Dubai Robert Raines joined the industry reception and made welcome remarks.
Consul General Raines highlighted the strong ties between New Jersey and the U.A.E. and commented on the broader bilateral commercial partnership.
- Innovative U.A.E. companies are doing business in New Jersey and building on the already strong trade relationship.
- The commercial relationship is the lifeblood the U.S.-U.A.E. partnership.
- President Trump’s upcoming visit will accelerate and deepen momentum in the commercial and investment partnership.
Governor Murphy elaborated on opportunities for further collaboration between New Jersey and the U.A.E. He noted:
- New Jersey acts as an important economic leader on the global stage and has increased its connectivity around the world.
- New Jersey continues to build a strong innovation economy, attracting international businesses and industry leaders.
- Sub-national relationships, such as the ties between the U.A.E. and New Jersey, are more important than ever.
- New Jersey finds common ground with the U.A.E. due to its tolerance agenda.
- New Jersey seeks capital investments in the manufacturing, advanced technology, financial services, life sciences, and logistics sectors.
Governor Murphy outlined the state’s business climate and key industries.
- Governor Murphy remarked that the two best words to describe New Jersey are “talent” and “location.”
- New Jersey is pursuing an “innovation economy” that includes a focus on generative AI, financial technology, green economy, sports betting, and food processing.
- New Jersey excels in the infrastructure and logistics sectors and is building the largest public works project in the United States.
- New Jersey has the highest concentration of scientists and engineers per square mile in the world.
- New Jersey is one of the world’s leading destinations for biopharmaceutical R&D and is a pioneer in the life sciences sector.
- New Jersey will host the FIFA World Cup Final next year and is developing a robust sports betting industry.
Governor Murphy noted that long-term investment partnerships with U.A.E. entities will strengthen New Jersey’s role in the global innovation economy and promote mutual prosperity.
For more information about this event, please contact Matthew Gardell at mgardell@usuaebusines.org.
