The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted a luncheon on January 30th in Abu Dhabi with corporate representatives from its U.S. Board of Directors in honor of His Excellency Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, U.A.E. Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During this luncheon, His Excellency discussed national and Emirate-level economic development strategies and diversification plans. In particular, he focused on the Ghadan 21 program, which was established in 2018 to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s economic transformation. His Excellency stressed the important role of U.S. companies in helping the U.A.E. achieve these objectives, especially emphasizing the long-term relationship over the last 50 years with American companies in the U.A.E. Minister Al Sayegh focused the majority of his remarks on how American companies can help the U.A.E. meet its development goals over the next 50 years.

His Excellency also commented on the Economic Policy Dialogue (EPD) between the U.S. and U.A.E. Governments that was reinvigorated in June of 2019. This dialogue not only addresses issues in the bilateral relationship but also lays the groundwork for new and expanded areas of cooperation, such as in food security and space exploration. Minister Al Sayegh stressed the importance of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council’s role in helping shape the agenda of the EPD.

From L to R: Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council and His Excellency Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, U.A.E. Minister of State

In addition to serving as Minister of State, His Excellency is the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market, which is an increasingly prominent international financial center and tech startup hub. Over the course of a distinguished career in business, His Excellency also held leadership positions at Aldar Properties, Masdar, First Gulf Bank, ADNOC, and Abu Dhabi Investment Company.

Senior executives of U.S. companies participate in U.S.-U.A.E Business Council Luncheon in Honor of H.E. Ahmed Al Sayegh in Abu Dhabi