UAE Embassy - Washington, DC Information

For over 25 years, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC has worked to develop the partnership between the UAE and the US. The UAE Embassy is led by His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, who has held the role since 2008. The UAE and US have long worked as close friends and allies — over 50 years — to create economic prosperity, further regional security, and encourage culture and knowledge sharing between the two countries. Through the lens of “united for a better future, together” the embassy created the UAE USA United campaign to raise awareness of the collaborative efforts between Americans and Emiratis. As the head of the UAE Embassy, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba helped to solidify the US-UAE 123 Agreement, the highest standard of civilian nuclear cooperation in world history. His influence in fostering better cooperation among nations earned him recognition in Time Magazine in 2020. Committed to economic growth and development, the UAE Embassy has also established the UAE as one of the fastest-growing US economic partnerships worldwide. The two countries’ shared commitment to bilateral trade, space exploration and advanced technology innovation has diversified the UAE’s economy and supports hundreds of thousands American jobs in industries such as technology, hospitality and aerospace. Since 2009, the UAE has been the largest export market for US goods in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and bilateral trade totaled more than $31 billion in 2023. The UAE Embassy has also engaged in cultural exchange programs with esteemed US organizations including the Special Olympics, the Meridian International Center, Harvard University and New York University. Through these partnerships, the two countries are actively creating a better future based on diversity, inclusion and mutual respect for all people.