Yousef Al Otaiba
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States
Nurturing and Sustaining the Bilateral Relationship Between the UAE and the US
His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba has served as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to the United States of America (US) since July 2008.
Throughout his tenure in Washington, DC, Ambassador Al Otaiba has focused on growing UAE-US ties on issues like the economy, trade, business, culture, security, philanthropy, space exploration, and advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI). His efforts have influenced multiple shared successes, and in 2010, he was recognized as Ambassador of the Year by the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce. In 2017, he was promoted to Minister of State for his efforts toward furthering the UAE-US relationship.
A Commitment to Peace and Prosperity
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba is passionate about fostering global peace and economic prosperity, often speaking on the UAE’s contributions toward better world relations. With these ideals in mind, he has built new cultural exchange programs with institutions such as the Meridian International Center, a DC-based nonprofit dedicated to public leadership, diplomacy and diversity. Additionally, he has worked to strengthen cooperation between the UAE and the US on various economic and sustainability initiatives, including climate action, clean energy technology and food security. In 2020, he was a driving force behind the adoption of the Abraham Accords, which marked a new era in diplomacy and foreign policy among nations of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and the wider world.
“Through government initiatives, policy organizations and our own rule of law, we’re creating a place where people from all backgrounds, faiths, nationalities and perspectives can join together to learn, engage in artistic expression, and exchange ideas.”
-Yousef Al Otaiba
UAE USA United: For a Deeper Partnership
As the UAE Ambassador in Washington, DC, Yousef Al Otaiba’s persistence in bolstering the UAE-US relationship has inspired the UAE Embassy to launch several new ventures, including the UAE USA United campaign. UAE USA United spotlights the strong, enduring partnership between the two countries and features multiple ways Emiratis and Americans are working together.
Philanthropy and Outreach
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba is heavily involved in charitable work across the UAE, the US and worldwide. His philanthropy focuses on humanitarian relief, public health, sports, religious inclusion, support for underserved communities and other initiatives. He is a strong supporter of causes such as the Special Olympics and Children’s National Medical Center.
Insights
Learn more about developments in the UAE-US relationship and Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba’s diplomatic and philanthropic efforts.
News
Stay informed about Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba’s ongoing diplomatic and charitable work at the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC.
Media
Watch recorded speeches, ceremonies, events and other videos featuring Yousef Al Otaiba’s work as Emirati Ambassador to the US.
Events
See appearances, conferences and other functions attended by UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba.
