American Business Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cara Nazari

Company Name: American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates

Tel: 04.349.1414

Email: director@abcdubai.com

Website: www.abcdubai.com

American Business Council and U.S. Mission to the UAE Honor Emirati Alumni of U.S.

Universities

DUBAI – OCTOBER 15, 2012

On Monday, October 15, 2012 the American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern

Emirates (the “American Business Council”) in association with the U.S. Mission to the UAE,

honored UAE Nationals who have studied at U.S. universities. The event highlighted the strong

bonds that exist between the UAE and the United States – and stressed the role that higher

education can play in bringing communities closer together. During the 2010-11 academic year,

more than 1,800 Emirati students studied in the U.S., a 13% increase over the preceding year,

continuing the trend seen in recent years of double-digit year-on-year growth.

The honored guest of the evening, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of

The Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, presented a keynote address stressing the

importance of education. H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi studied economics at the

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. At the event, His Highness commented

“Education is a critical tool for building the future. It is no longer possible for countries to build

their futures independent from one another. This event celebrates the many connections between

the UAE and America that have been fostered through higher education – connections that make

each of us stronger, better, and more capable of meeting the challenges facing our world.”

Michael H. Corbin, the United States Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, commented that,

“Our two countries enjoy a strong and deep bond, one based in considerable measure on the

large number of Emiratis who have come to know America through studying at colleges and

universities across the United States. Maintaining high numbers of Emiratis studying in the

United States is a top priority of the U.S. Mission in the UAE both here in Dubai at the

Consulate General and at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi.”

The U.S. Consul General, Rob Waller noted, “We are proud that thousands of Emiratis have

chosen to study at American colleges and universities over the past decade, and are delighted that

increasing numbers of Emirati students head to the United States each year. The U.S. Mission to

the UAE maintains an active student advising service, Education USA, at the Embassy in Abu

Dhabi and at the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, which provides information and expertise to help

students and their families make the best decision about their higher education.”

President of the American Business Council, John Podgore, noted with enthusiasm the

impressive turnout of distinguished guests, which he indicated was a tribute to the involvement

of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Honorable Michael Corbin, U.S.

Ambassador to the UAE and the Honorable Rob Waller, U.S. Consul General in Dubai – and

aided by the increased visibility of the American Business Council within the business

community of Dubai & the Northern Emirates. Guests include UAE National alumni from U.S.

universities representing 60 alumni groups, as well as young UAE National students seeking the

opportunity to study in the United States. Representatives from Georgetown University -- Qatar,

Hult, International Horizons College, New York University – Abu Dhabi and the University of

Denver were also on hand to showcase their universities to the next generation of UAE Nationals

contemplating studying at U.S. universities. With attendance for this annual event increasing on

a yearly basis, it is clear that the shared belief in the importance of education is a crucial element

of the strong bilateral relationship between the UAE and United States. The American Business

Council was able to hold this complimentary event for ABC members and UAE National alumni

thanks to the gracious support of Boeing, Inc. and the American Hospital Dubai.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL

The American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates operates under the auspices

of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and functions as the Dubai Chapter of the U. S.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Since its founding in 1985, the American Business

Council has supported U.S. business interests in Dubai & the Northern Emirates and acts as a

liaison between government and commercial enterprises.

The American Business Council is a 600 plus member driven organization. Fortune 500

companies and key business leaders are well represented among the members of the American

Business Council. The American Business Council provides a forum for understanding and

interaction between the local business community and members of the American Business

Council. Members are supported through a robust calendar of informational programs, round-

table discussions, and business networking opportunities. The American Business Council has

created a community for U.S. businesses and executives to thrive.

ABOUT THE U.S. MISSION TO THE UAE

Working in cooperation with public and private partners across the UAE, the U.S. Embassy in

Abu Dhabi, along with the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, supports a range of programs reflecting the

depth and breadth of the U.S.-UAE diplomatic relationship.

# # #