“I look forward to working with our Florida partners and businesses across the region to strengthen the bridge between our communities and drive new successes together.” –H.E. Mohammed Abdulla Al Ahbabi, Consul General of the U.A.E. Consulate in Miami

During a three-day visit to Orlando and Miami, the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, the U.A.E. Embassy in Washington, D.C., and U.A.E. Consulate in Miami convened local government officials, senior private sector leaders, and regional economic stakeholders for a private dinner and series of meetings in support of new U.A.E. Consul General in Miami Mohammed Abdulla Al Ahbabi.

The Consul General’s Orlando and Miami engagements underscored the depth and momentum of U.A.E.–Florida ties. With strong foundations in trade, tourism, and innovation, Florida is poised to play an increasingly central role in the next phase of U.S.–U.A.E. economic partnership.

Engagement with Greater Orlando’s Business Community and Public Officials:

The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, supported by the Orlando Economic Partnership, hosted a private dinner bringing together senior leaders from government and the local private sector for a candid, off-the-record discussion on expanding U.A.E.–Florida trade and investment, advancing collaborations and partnership with Central Florida companies, and services the U.A.E.’s Miami Consulate will aim to provide. 

Notable participants included representatives from local government departments, regional economic development organizations, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, and executives from Universal Destinations & Experiences, Emirates, Gulftainer USA, and United Parks & Resorts.

Consul General Al Ahbabi and senior U.A.E. trade officials discussed with guests:

Logistics & Trade Connectivity Across Central Florida: U.A.E. companies maintain a presence in Orlando through logistics operations, while Gulftainer’s Port Canaveral terminal—serving the broader Central Florida region—has contributed over $630 million to Florida’s economy and supports thousands of jobs.

Orlando as a Global Aviation Gateway: Orlando International Airport is one of Emirates’ longest-serving U.S. gateways, with daily nonstop service to Dubai since 2015, generating over $140 million in annual economic activity and supporting more than 1,400 jobs in Central Florida. 

Florida High Tech Corridor as an Innovation Engine: The Florida High Tech Corridor—anchored by the University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, and University of Florida—serves as a major driver of research, workforce development, and industry collaboration, supporting high-growth sectors such as aerospace, simulation, AI, and advanced manufacturing, and reinforcing Central Florida’s position as a leading hub for technology and innovation.

Tourism & Entertainment Partnerships Anchored in Orlando: Orlando-based companies—including Disney and SeaWorld—maintain deep, long-term partnerships with the U.A.E., including the development of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Disney Abu Dhabi, and broader collaboration in tourism promotion, destination development, and conservation initiatives. 

Strategic Infrastructure & Defense Linkages: Orlando is home to Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control division, which supports critical defense systems used by the U.A.E., highlighting Central Florida’s role in advancing high-tech and security cooperation. 

The Consul General separately met with the Orlando Economic Partnership to discuss Greater Orlando’srapidly growing innovation ecosystem and opportunities to expand U.A.E.–Central Florida collaboration. The meeting underscored Central Florida’s rapid internationalization, noting significant growth in its technology economy and its status as one of the fastest-growing markets in the United States.

In addition, the Consul General engaged local government officials and met with Mayor of Orlando Buddy Dyer to discuss Orlando’s continued growth as a globally connected city and hub for innovation, tourism, and infrastructure development. Mayor Dyer highlighted the city’s economic diversification efforts, including investments in transportation, aviation, and emerging industries, as well as its expanding international partnerships. 

Consul General Meets with Orlando’s Tourism Leaders:

“I come from the private sector – where results, partnerships, and execution matter…My experience has reinforced that the most successful initiatives are collaborative, not transactional, and are built on trust and aligned interests.” – H.E. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Consul General of the U.A.E. Consulate in Miami

As part of the visit, the Consul General held meetings with senior executives from The Walt Disney Company and United Parks & Resorts/SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

These discussions highlighted longstanding collaboration between the U.A.E. and Orlando-based tourism leaders, including the development of world-class destinations such as SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Disney’s upcoming new theme park in Abu Dhabi.

Key topics of conversation included: 

• The complex, city-scale infrastructure and operational systems that underpin major theme parks, from utilities and transportation to logistics and workforce management
• How artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are differentiating U.A.E.-based parks—particularly in Abu Dhabi—enabling continuous innovation and delivering world-class, next-generation guest experiences
• The importance of forward-looking regulatory frameworks that enable innovation, safety, and large-scale development in the theme park and entertainment sector
• The strength of Central Florida’s talent pipeline, including partnerships with local universities and technical institutions that support workforce development for companies like Disney and SeaWorld

Consul General Participates in the AJC BRIDGE Middle East Summit at Israel Tech Week in Miami:

Consul General Mohammed Al Ahbabi concluded the week by participating in a diplomatic luncheon with senior diplomats from Israel, Morocco, and Bahrain at the American Jewish Committee’s BRIDGE Middle East Summit in Miami. The summit brings together senior government officials, business leaders, diplomats, and civil society figures from across the United States, Israel, and the Arab world to foster dialogue, partnerships, and regional integration. 

U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright also participated in a panel discussing the future of U.S. business engagement in the Middle East and highlighting the U.A.E.’s business resiliency and its commitment to its $1.4 trillion 10-year investment framework in the United States. Mr. Sebright provided various examples of U.S. companies that also remain committed to their partnerships with and in the U.A.E.

To learn more about the U.A.E.’s fast-evolving business landscape, please consult the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council and Morgan Lewis’s Guide to Doing Business in the U.A.E. To learn more about the Business Council’s programming and this event, please contact Caitlin Cottrell at ccottrell@usuaebusiness.org.