Summary
Since July 2008, His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba has served as Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the United States of America. Located strategically on the southeastern area of the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE borders Oman, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf. Seven emirates make up the federation of called the UAE: Ras al-Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm al-Quwain, Sharjah, Ajman, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Prior to accepting his present post, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba acted as Director of International Affairs for the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba held the position of Senior Counselor to His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
In these two previous roles, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba honed his diplomatic skills. As a top liaison to commercial, government, and private sector interests, he negotiated security, defense, and anti-terrorism issues. Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba also worked to strengthen the UAE's economic standing in the region and with the U.S. and other countries. Other areas of diplomacy included activities related to export control laws and countering the proliferation of nuclear weaponry. Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba's efforts to bring the UAE together with foreign economic interests resulted in a number of partnership agreements involving mutual benefits for the countries involved.
Continuing his quest to enhance the economic growth and security of the UAE as Ambassador to the U.S, Yousef Al Otaiba works to enlighten Americans about the Middle East. He also endeavors to strengthen understanding between the two cultures through his charitable organization, the Oasis Foundation of Washington, D.C. At several speaking events, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba discussed the history, economy, and foreign relations of the UAE; the UAE's model of progress; and the improved trade relations between the two countries related to the formation of the U.S.-UAE Business Council. The Oasis Foundation of Washington, D.C., founded by the ambassador, assists charitable entities that aid in promoting understanding between the UAE and American cultures.
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba also supports the Children's National Medical Center, having raised more than $500,000 for the facility. Named Ambassador of the Year in 2010 by the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba continues to strengthen the bonds between the UAE and its ally, the U.S.