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

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, roundtable 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.

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