The US shares a strategic trade partnership with the UAE, which is the largest export destination for American goods in the Middle East. The current environment is mutually conducive to nurturing a more symbiotic relationship between the two nations, according to Danny E. Sebright, President, US-UAE Business Council, the leading advocate for building commercial relationships and expanding business opportunities between the two countries.

 

Sebright’s comments came during a seminar titled “The US-UAE Trade and Commercial Relationship: A Positive Diplomatic Trend,” which attracted decision makers and senior management executives from the government and private sector.

 

 “There is an increased global focus on trade and commerce between nations today, which directly stimulates diplomacy and economic development. The rich partnership shared by the US and the UAE, built on a foundation supported by the strong defense and security relationship, can further pave the way for innovations and new solutions that can enhance the multi-dimensional, robust relationship that the two nations enjoy.

 

“Platforms provided through bodies such as the Dubai School of Government foster an exchange of ideas that contribute to building sustained respect and dialogue. The public and private sectors of both countries are becoming more aware of the relationship’s commercial potential, and are actively working to ensure that the UAE continues to remain one of the largest export markets for US goods and services,” Sebright said.

 

Sebright additionally highlighted the potential of US firms and institutions to provide leadership development, training, and education opportunities to future generations of Emirati leaders in order build a sustainable local workforce.  

 

The third state to establish formal diplomatic relations with the UAE shortly after its formation in 1971, the US is one of the UAE’s earliest and most valued international partners. Today, the UAE is home to more than 30,000 Americans and over 750 American-owned businesses, as estimated by the US embassy. According to the US Ministry of Foreign Trade, the UAE was the 21st largest export market for the US globally in 2010.

 

Danny E. Sebright is a strategic consultant reputed for arbitrating peace processes between nations since 1995. He began his career in government in 1985 with the Defense Intelligence Agency, living and working extensively overseas in numerous countries in the Middle East, India, Asia, and Africa. He is the recipient of the Paul H. Nitze Award for Excellence in International Security Policy for his work on the Middle East Peace Process. In 2008, he was appointed President of the US-UAE Business Council.