The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted Brigadier General Joseph Rank, Senior Defense Official, Defense Attaché to the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, for a private, closed-door policy luncheon and discussion on the sidelines of the 2016 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition Wednesday afternoon.  The luncheon provided private sector stakeholders in the defense industry with an opportunity to hear from General Rank on the current contours surrounding the U.S.-U.A.E. defense relationship.  The event featured a brief introduction by U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President, Danny Sebright, who highlighted the importance of the ever-growing bilateral defense relationship.

“It is important for the U.S. to continue its strong partnership with the U.A.E.,” said Mr. Sebright. “The United Arab Emirates continues to be a beacon of stability in the region by leading the charge against terrorism and extremism brought by ISIS and AQAP in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.”

Brigadier General Joseph Rank & U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright address senior level members

from the defense industry about the U.S.-U.A.E. military relationship

Following Sebright’s introduction and discussion with industry, General Rank opened the discussion by outlining priorities for the U.S. Defense mission in the U.A.E. and gave a brief overview of the current state of the U.S.-U.A.E. defense relationship. He went on to discuss commercial opportunities presented by the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition.

“The U.A.E. Armed Forces have arguably emerged as the most capable military in the Gulf as well as the only expeditionary force,” said General Rank. “As security challenges show no sign of abating in the region so to do opportunities to partner with the U.A.E. Armed Forces in pursuit of regional stability and security.”

Before closing his remarks, General Rank provided further insight on regional developments in the Gulf and the broader Middle East and their effect on the GCC’s defense relationship with the United States.

Following the remarks, Sebright opened the floor to a Q&A session, during which time attendees were given the opportunity to engage General Rank on the many challenges facing U.S. businesses in the Gulf, including the changing dynamics for U.S. businesses after the removal of Iranian sanctions, the continuous threat of ISIS and AQAP in the region, and instability in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria.