The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council hosted a reception on Monday, January 13th in Dubai in honor of Mike Dunleavy, Governor of Alaska, and a visiting Alaskan delegation. U.S. Ambassador to the U.A.E. Martina Strong and U.S. Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates Robert Raines attended the reception, which took place at the Ritz Carlton Hotel DIFC. The Governor’s visit coincides with Abu Dhabi Sustainability week from January 12-18.
Governor Dunleavy and his delegation are visiting the U.A.E. to discuss investment in Alaska’s wealth of resources and exports, including in the areas of energy, construction, mining, technology, airport cargo, and logistics. The delegation includes representatives from the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska Energy Authority, and Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Over 60 senior U.S. and U.A.E. business executives and government officials attended the event to engage and network with the Governor and the delegation.
Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, remarked upon the commonalities the U.A.E. and Alaska share as resource-rich regions with a global outlook and a deep commitment to innovation and sustainable growth. He added that Alaska’s natural resources, entrepreneurial spirit, and expertise in various sectors align well with the U.A.E.’s vision for the future as a global hub for trade, investment, and collaboration.
Ambassador Martina Strong praised Governor Dunleavy’s commitment to fly to the other side of the world to engage the U.A.E. and described the importance of Alaska’s energy sector in shaping the future of energy not only in the United States but in the world. She highlighted the ways in which the U.A.E. and Alaska can collaborate and partner to advance their common interests, further strengthening the U.S.-U.A.E. bilateral relationship.
Governor Dunleavy spoke about his decision to visit the U.A.E. after meeting Ambassador Martina Strong at the third annual Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference hosted in Anchorage, Alaska last year. He discussed the tremendous opportunity to highlight Alaska to investors worldwide at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where he will be speaking later this week, and stated his goal is to get investors to view Alaska as a sustainable, stable investment landscape. Governor Dunleavy also overviewed the various areas for investment in Alaska, particularly in the energy sector as the state looks to utilize its abundance of natural energy resources to diversify and develop its energy sources.
Alaska offers a wealth of opportunities for investment, driven by its strategic location, natural resource abundance, and diverse economic potential. As a gateway to the Arctic, it plays a critical role in global trade and energy markets, with access to vital shipping routes and vast reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals. Beyond energy, Alaska’s growing sectors in tourism, seafood, and technology make it a dynamic market for investors looking for diversification. The state’s robust infrastructure, including ports, airports, and pipelines, further enhance its attractiveness. Additionally, Alaska’s commitment to responsible development ensures that investments are made with sustainability in mind, offering long-term potential for growth across various industries.
For questions about this event, please contact Caitlin Cottrell at ccottrell@usuaebusiness.org.
