H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba has served as ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States since 2008, heading the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC. As ambassador, he has been recognized by various organizations for his efforts to strengthen ties between the United States and the UAE and was promoted to minister of state in 2017.

During his time as UAE ambassador, Al Otaiba has worked to support peace and cooperation between the UAE and the United States. He was instrumental in encouraging international discussions surrounding the Abraham Accords. He has helped advance UAE-U.S. ties through his philanthropic efforts as a private citizen and as ambassador.

Al Otaiba’s leadership has aided the creation of various programs centered around public health, humanitarian relief, community engagement, and inclusion, such as the establishment of the first Special Olympics hosted in the Middle East. Additionally, his commitment to strengthening the strategic UAE-U.S. partnership has led to the creation of multiple initiatives, notably the UAE USA United campaign. Through his involvement with the campaign, Al Otaiba has helped promote the shared visions of the UAE and the United States, including on security, prosperity, climate initiatives, and equality.

Moreover, Al Otaiba has supported multiple partnerships with prominent U.S. organizations to foster their presence in the UAE, including New York University, the Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership, and the Cleveland Clinic. These endeavors, along with his involvement with the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, have helped cement the UAE as the United States’ largest trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa region, grow bilateral investment, and further develop the two countries’ strategic alliance.

Find more information about Al Otaiba’s diplomatic and philanthropic work at the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC.