The end of the year is often a time of reflection. For the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 2025 was a time to reflect on the leadership’s vision to foster a united and empowered community.
2025 was named the “Year of Community” by President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The “Year of Community” encouraged all to actively contribute to society through community service and impactful initiatives, while promoting a culture of shared responsibility to drive collective progress.
In recognition of this, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba welcomed community partners from across the US, UAE and other governments, business, healthcare, education, media, technology, and the diplomatic corps to participate. This reflects the shared belief that the most meaningful progress is built through connection, cooperation and service.
This year has been rich in opportunities to serve communities and drive progress in the UAE through a US partnership. As 2025 comes to a close, let’s take a look back at the extraordinary growth in the relationship between the US and UAE that has been achieved this year and share hopes for the year to come.
US President’s Visit to the UAE
This year was truly historic, with the first visit of a US President to the UAE. HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receiving President Trump in May 2025 marked a pivotal moment in an almost five-decade partnership. From ceremonial receptions to strategic dialogues, the state visit reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to a future built on trust and transformative innovation.
The Launch of a Successful AI Partnership
The year also marked the successful launch of the groundbreaking US-UAE artificial intelligence (AI) Acceleration Partnership. This new framework will facilitate deeper technology cooperation, including the launch of the 5GW UAE-US AI campus in Abu Dhabi. This partnership will support regional computation demand and deploy AI infrastructure, while meeting robust security standards.
Children’s National Professorships
Represented by Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE continued its longstanding partnership by endowing new professorships at Children’s National Hospital. The People of the United Arab Emirates Distinguished Professorship in Prenatal Pediatrics and the Sheikh Zayed Professorship in Bioengineering are continuing the goal of improving healthcare outcomes for children both in the US and around the globe.
At the dedication, Ambassador Al Otaiba emphasized that these endowed professorships reflect three core values of the UAE: a commitment to medical innovation, a dedication to international collaboration and a belief in our shared humanity.
Celebrating National Day
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba welcomed distinguished guests from the US to celebrate the UAE’s 54th National Day. Under the theme “Unity and Progress,” the event included a guest list that featured Senators, high-ranking members of the current administration and leaders from a wide range of industries and professions.
Highlights include a special live performance by acclaimed Emirati singer Arqam Al Abri, a culinary presentation led by internationally recognized twin chefs Abdulrahman and Maitha Al Hashmi, cultural displays, and immersive storytelling celebrating the collaborative achievements of both nations.
What’s to Come in 2026
To further advance UAE objectives, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has directed that 2026 be designated the “Year of the Family.” The initiative aims to promote the importance of strong, cohesive family ties as the fundamental building blocks of a resilient and prosperous society.
It also seeks to promote the deeply rooted values of unity, empathy, humanitarian aid and cooperation that characterise Emirati society and ensure these values are passed on to future generations.
The growing trade partnership between the US and the UAE is also helping to build understanding and cooperation between the US and the UAE across multiple sectors, including energy, AI, technology, health care, manufacturing and more. Meanwhile, this partnership is providing economic opportunities for families in every US state. To learn more about this partnership, visit the UAE Preferred website.
Learn more about how the UAE and the US are working to build a lasting partnership.