The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council launched its fall programming with a “Back to Business” reception on the evening of Tuesday, September 12th in Dubai. This forum provided member companies the opportunity to network and hear updates about the business climate from U.S. Consul General in Dubai Meghan Gregonis, Business Council Board co-Chair H.E. Waleed Al Muhairi, and Business Council Board co-Vice Chair Adnan Kazim. 

Consul General Meghan Gregonis highlighted the robust trade and investment relationship between the U.A.E. and the United States, the most significant in the region. She shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming arrival of the new U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E., Ambassador Martina Strong, who was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in July. CG Gregonis outlined the U.S. Mission’s priorities to engage with local government and business leaders, and she reiterated Ambassador Strong’s vow to be an “advocate for U.S. businesses in the U.A.E.” She introduced her political, economic, and commercial team to guests and implored them to engage with the Consulate.

H.E. Waleed Al Muhairi, Deputy Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company and Business Council Board co-Chair, discussed the vibrant growth in the U.S.-U.A.E. trade and investment relationship in recent years and said that it continues to grow from strength to strength. He discussed Mubadala’s investment strategy in the United States and reiterated the importance of the U.S. market as a destination for U.A.E. capital investment. He thanked U.S. and U.A.E. business executives in the room for their strong support of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council. He said that the partnerships between U.S. and U.A.E. businesses formed the bedrock of the bilateral relationship. He then referenced other key areas of collaboration between the U.S. and the U.A.E., such as the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE) and the India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Airline and Business Council Board of Directors co-Vice Chair, discussed the incredible growth in the aviation sector, noting that passenger levels at Dubai International Airport have all but reached pre-pandemic levels. Emirates Airline now flies to 12 destinations in the United States and continues to build on its new partnership with United Airlines, as well as expand its global reach, with more airplanes and premium economy options in more long-haul routes. He emphasized ongoing efforts to embrace sustainability in air travel and logistics operations ahead of COP28. 

Business Council President Danny Sebright outlined for the audience the Council’s programming schedule for the next three months, highlighting events at COP28, which will be hosted in the U.A.E. from 30 November until 12 December 2023. The Dubai Airshow, Arab Health, the bilateral Economic Policy Dialogue, GITEX, and Abu Dhabi Finance Week will also make for a very busy fall programming schedule. He thanked Business Council members and the Board’s Executive Committee for the support and leadership they provide to the Business Council. Finally, Sebright acknowledged and commended the third anniversary this week of the Abraham Accords, which has changed the DNA of the region. 

For more information about this event, please contact Alyssa Kristeller at akristeller@usuaebusiness.org