• Council Events, Past Events

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Clockwise from left: Danny Sebright, U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President, Cara Nazari, CEO of AmCham Dubai, Lina Lampkin, Chairwoman, AmCham Abu Dhabi, and Senior Consular Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, Ron Packowitz.

We’ve seen remarkable resilience, remarkable adaptability, remarkable resources of strength, most of all, from our Emirati hosts.” said Chargé d’Affaires Eric Gaudiosi. 

On March 4, 2026, the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, in partnership with AmCham Abu Dhabi and AmCham Dubai, convened a virtual briefing with senior officials from the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General Dubai to address the rapidly evolving security situation in the region and its implications for U.S. citizens and businesses in the U.A.E.

The briefing featured remarks from Chargé d’Affaires Eric Gaudiosi and Senior Consular Officer Ron Packowitz, who provided detailed updates on U.S. government posture, citizen services, and coordination with U.A.E. authorities.

For the latest official security and consular updates, please see the most recent notices issued by the U.S. Mission to the U.A.E. and the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs on their official social media channels.

U.S. Citizen Services and Travel Guidance:

Mr. Packowitz outlined the U.S. government’s top priority: the safety and welfare of American citizens in the U.A.E. He emphasized that U.S. diplomatic personnel are working around the clock to provide guidance and plan for potential departures.

Key takeaways included:

  • Americans who are able to depart via commercial air are encouraged to do so.
  • Planning is underway for potential U.S. government-supported flights, though timing and destinations remain undetermined  and subject to change.
  • Travelers interested in U.S.-facilitated departure must register through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at travel.state.gov.
  • Those without valid passports may face delays, as routine passport and visa services remain suspended for security reasons.
  • Individuals are strongly advised to shelter in place, limit movement, and follow official security guidance.

Officials reiterated that U.S. government-supported departures are intended to move citizens to safety, not necessarily to preferred destinations, and may involve onward travel arrangements at the traveler’s expense.

Continuing Coordination:

Throughout the discussion, U.S. officials encouraged members to:

  • Register with STEP for real-time updates.
  • Monitor official communications from the U.S. Mission.
  • Attend recurring Regional Security Office (RSO) briefings hosted every other day.
  • Contact the Embassy or Consulate through official online channels for urgent, case-specific inquiries

Americans who need State Department assistance arranging to depart via commercial means, CALL US 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). ENROLL in http://step.state.gov to get the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.