Over the course of his diplomatic career, the Ambassador has also helped forge important partnerships with major US institutions such as New York University, the Cleveland Clinic, the Guggenheim Museum, Children’s National Medical Center, Harvard University and the Meridian International Center.

His influence with the Abraham Accord agreement earned him a spot on Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020 list. Additionally, Ambassador Al Otaiba maintains a focus on philanthropic initiatives both as a private citizen and through his role at the UAE Embassy. He has been named Ambassador of the Year by the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce and received the Distinguished Diplomatic Service Award in 2013. He was also awarded the Joseph E. Robert, Jr. Prize in Philanthropy in 2015 for his support of Children's National Medical Center.

Prior to his role as Ambassador, His Excellency Al Otaiba was Director of International Affairs for the Court of the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He attended Cairo American College, Georgetown University and National Defense University.

Economic Cooperation and Innovation

Home to one of the most open economies in the world, the UAE’s strong relationship with the US has helped to establish the MENA region as a modern leader in trade, investment, gross domestic product (GDP) and economic reform.

Over the last decade, bilateral trade grew by more than 400 percent and the UAE became one of the US’ largest sources of foreign direct investment. Since then, the UAE has received imports from all 50 states and consistently remained the US’ largest export market in the Middle East for thirteen years straight. In addition, more than 1,500 US corporations have offices in the UAE and total trade with the US has surpassed $23 billion. These economic exchanges have provided critical support for jobs and enterprises in the UAE and across the US.

As strong partners, the two countries have heavily invested in sectors such as science, technology, renewable energy, aviation, public health, education and so much more. These long-time efforts have established revolutionary partnerships with several organizations including the Wilson Center, the Cleveland Clinic, Children’s National Hospital, New York University, NASA and Harvard University.

Progress on Peace and Inclusivity

In 2019, the UAE government celebrated the “Year of Tolerance,” which inspired a number of multicultural events including Pope Francis’ historic visit to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Since then, the UAE Embassy has promoted religious inclusion through several interfaith events including its exclusive Ramadan Reflections series.

During this time, the UAE Embassy and dedicated partners in the US worked together to create new opportunities for cultural exchange. Part of this collaboration includes the first ever Special Olympics World Games hosted in the UAE, the most diverse and inclusive in the event’s history. Ambassador Al Otaiba was an active supporter of Special Olympics athletes during the games, visiting the US training camp and congratulating athletes at the White House. Following the conclusion of the games, Al Otaiba joined the Special Olympics Board of Directors in 2019 to further promote equality and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Keeping with promoting culture through sports, the UAE Embassy’s Community Soccer Program has benefited communities in major cities across the US. Through this program, the UAE has partnered with local organizations to fund all-weather soccer fields in underserved communities to provide opportunities for kids to stay fit and learn life and soccer skills in a safe environment.

Inspiring International Peace

Additionally, Al Otaiba has made contributions towards the progress for peace and cooperation across the MENA region. In 2020, the Ambassador wrote a published article that led discussion for a normalized Emirati and Israeli diplomatic relationship. His article marked the first time a Gulf diplomat published a piece in an Israeli newspaper.

After several months of negotiations, leaders from the UAE, Bahrain, and the Israeli government gathered at the White House to sign the US-brokered Abraham Accord agreement. This normalization deal made the UAE the first Gulf state and third Arab country in history to make peace with Israel.

Since the signing, Emirati and Israeli leaders have collaborated across several sectors including business, trade and tourism. This is just the beginning of a new friendship between the two countries and a new era of peace for the Middle East.