Videos
Watch recent videos of His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the United States of America (USA).
Ambassador Al Otaiba Reflects on 2022
January 10, 2023
From progressing climate action to further fostering ties between the US and UAE, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba reflects on the advancements made by the UAE over the past year.
Celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of the Abraham Accord Agreement
September 15, 2022
Ambassador Al Otaiba and other leaders reflect upon the second anniversary of this historical agreement and how it set the tone for a new, transformative era of peace and prosperity.
Ambassador Al Otaiba Welcome Message for Folklife Festival 2022
June 14, 2022
Ambassador Al Otaiba welcomes the 2022 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, featuring the UAE’s unique multi-cultural landscape, heritage and history for the first–time ever.
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba Joined US Senator Mitt Romney for Tour of LDS Temple
June 13, 2022
Emirati Ambassador Al Otaiba and US Senator Mitt Romney tour the newly renovated LDS temple in Washington, DC as the UAE prepares for construction of its first-ever Mormon temple in Dubai.
As part of the UAE’s efforts to further religious inclusion and diversity, Amb. Al Otaiba joined @MittRomney for an inspiring tour of @washdctemple. The visit comes ahead of the construction of @Ch_JesusChrist Temple in Dubai.
— UAE Embassy US (@UAEEmbassyUS) June 13, 2022
Learn more: https://t.co/HU6SNVmN22 pic.twitter.com/VWM68GbHgK
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba & UAE Embassy Celebrate Crotona Park Soccer Field
May 20, 2022
With the support of the UAE Embassy, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba teamed up with several partners including Congressman Ritchie Torres to restore the Crotona Park Soccer Field in the Bronx.
UAE Embassy Hosts Children's National Medical Center Blood Drive
May 5, 2022
In honor of National Blood Donor Month, Ambassador Al Otaiba and the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC host their very own blood drive in partnership with Children’s National Medical Center.
UAE-US Strategic Dialogue Highlights Strong Bilateral Relationship
May 3, 2022
In light of the inaugural UAE-US Strategic Dialogue, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba discusses the strength and resilience of the UAE-US relationship.
Remarks of H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States from Yom HaShoah event
May 3, 2022
The Ambassador reflects on International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the importance of instilling inclusion, religious pluralism and mutual respect among diplomats worldwide.
Ambassador Al Otaiba Reflects on Abraham Accords with US and Israeli Counterparts
March 10, 2022
The UAE Embassy in Washington, DC and Jewish Insider hosted Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides and Israel’s Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog to discuss the progress made since the official signing of the Abraham Accords.
Study Abroad Scholarship Established by UAE Embassy at Iowa State University
February 28, 2022
In memoriam of Maktoum Al Seiari, an Iowa State University graduate who passed in 2020, the UAE Embassy created a study abroad scholarship at ISU to foster further opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding across nations.
JINSA Abraham Accords Report Rollout
January 19, 2022
Yousef Al Otaiba introduced The Jewish Institute for National Security of America’s (JINSA) Abraham Accords Report Release.
Amb. Yousef Al Otaiba, Keshet CEO Avi Nir and Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner Hans Fraikin
Dec 17, 2021
Yousef Al Otaiba joined Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner Hans Fraikin and Keshet CEO Avi Nir to discuss UAE-Israel film opportunities during the 9th annual America Abroad Media (AAM) gala.
The Year of the 50th - A celebration of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee
December 2, 2021
The UAE Embassy in Washington, DC celebrated the UAE’s 50th National Day and Golden Jubilee celebration at The Reach at the Kennedy Center.
The Abraham Accords: Impact on Regional Diplomacy
November 3, 2021
Yousef Al Otaiba joined former Ambassador Marc Siever to discuss the Abraham Accords at the Atlantic Council’s recent conference on security.
Introducing 50 Years | 50 Faces
October 29, 2021
In honor of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba introduced the UAE Embassy’s new campaign, “50 Years | 50 Faces.”
50 Years | 50 Faces: Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba
October 29, 2021
As part of the 50 Years | 50 Faces Campaign, Yousef Al Otaiba visited Georgetown University in Washington, DC to reflect on his lifelong journey leading up to becoming UAE Ambassador to the US.
The Wilson Center: Ambassador Al Otaiba discusses Abraham Accords’ two-state solution
September 14, 2021
The Wilson Center spotlights Ambassador Al Otaiba’s personal perspective on the Abraham Accords’ two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
UAE Embassy Presents “The Abraham Accords: A Warm Peace Transforming the Middle East”
September 13, 2021
One year after the White House signing of the Abraham Accords, the UAE Embassy reflects on the significant progress made thus far on behalf of the UAE and Israel.
The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy & Johns Hopkins SAIS Partnership
July 19, 2021
Dr. Anwar Gargash was joined by Ambassador Al Otaiba, Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, and Johns Hopkins leaders to celebrate the new partnership between the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and the UAE’s Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA).
A New Middle East - The Tallberg Foundation
June 10, 2021
The Tallberg Foundation hosted the Ambassador on its “New Thinking for a New World’ podcast to discuss US engagement in the Middle East and the new era of peace and prosperity in the Arab World.
The National News Interview
June 6, 2021
The National News Editor-In-Chief, Mina Al-Oraibi, interviewed Ambassador Al Otaiba on his notable op-ed, “Annexation Will Be a Serious Setback for Better Relations with the Arab World,” and the future of UAE-Israel normalization.
Yousef Al Otaiba Closes Ramadan Reflections Series
May 20, 2021
In the final episode of Ramadan Reflections, Yousef Al Otaiba spotlighted the festival of Eid al-Fitr and reflected on how the video series embodied the UAE’s values of religious tolerance, inclusion and mutual respect.
The Association of Gulf Jewish Communities Lag B'Omer & Iftar Celebration
April 29, 2021
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba covered the importance of interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence during a virtual Ambassador’s panel organized by the Association of Gulf Jewish Communities (AGJC).
Pillars of Faith: Building A Better World Part 1
April 26, 2021
Yousef Al Otaiba and Malcolm Hoenlein, Vice Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, joined the Director of Partners In Torah of Cleveland to discuss how UAE-Israel relations will help shape a better future in the Middle East.
UAE Embassy Presents ‘Ramadan Reflections’
April 20, 2021
Ambassador Al Otaiba and the Deputy Chief of Mission, Shaima Gargash, introduced the UAE Embassy’s new video series, “Ramadan Reflections,” to virtually celebrate the holy month of Ramdan with friends and dedicated partners during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Cleveland Clinic - Ideas for Tomorrow
March 30, 2021
Ambassador Al Otaiba’s lecture for Cleveland Clinic’s Ideas for Tomorrow, a virtual speaker series that gives world-renowned leaders a global platform to discuss the future of healthcare.
Dean's Speaker Series Panel on Diplomacy
February 9, 2021
The Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), hosts “The Future of Arab-Israeli Diplomacy,” with Yousef Al Otaiba and Jeremy Issacharoff, Ambassador of Israel to Germany. During the event, Ambassador Al Otaiba and Ambassador Issacharoff focus on the history of UAE-Israel relations, the benefits of the Abraham Accords and the shared interests that will ultimately bond both countries together for a better future.
Transition 2021 Policy Forum: U.S. Policy toward Arab States, Palestinians, and Israel
February 1, 2021
The Washington Institute hosts a virtual Policy Forum with Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, Samer Khoury, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, and David Makovsky. The conversation focuses on how Senior Biden administration officials have committed the new team to building on the success of normalization agreements recently reached between Israel and four Arab states, reengaging with the Palestinians, and navigating mutual distrust between Israelis and Palestinians—all as Israelis prepare for their March elections.
On the Same Page: America’s Middle East Allies and Regional Threats
January 15, 2021
The Chief Executive of Foundation for Defense of Democracies hosted Ambassador Al Otaiba, Israel’s Ambassador to the US and Bahrain’s Ambassador to the US for a virtual conversation on how all three sides will unite for Middle East peace and stability.
Yousef Al Otaiba’s New Year Message
January 12, 2020
Ambassador Al Otaiba rang in the New Year with a special message for 2021 and the UAE’s Golden Jubilee year. During his remarks, he spotlighted several silver linings over the course of 2020, as well as the UAE’s ambitious plans for 2021. As the region continues to prepare for its Golden Jubilee celebration, he reaffirmed the UAE and the US’ shared commitment to building a better and brighter future worldwide.
Ambassador Al Otaiba Welcomes the Future Diplomats PeaceGame
December 9, 2020
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba formally welcomes Foreign Policy’s Future Diplomat PeaceGame. Due to the coronavirus, the event will virtually host 20 foreign service students and early-career diplomats to solve critical issues stemming from the global pandemic. Reflecting on the historic signing of the Abraham Accords, Ambassador Al Otaiba emphasizes the benefits of peace and the importance of conflict resolution during these difficult times.
The Ambassador’s Series: A Discussion with Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba
December 8, 2020
The Hudson Institute’s Ravenel B. Curry III Distinguished Fellow, Walter Russell Mead, invites Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba for a virtual discussion on UAE-US relations and UAE foreign policy. As part of the Institute’s Ambassador’s Series, the event highlights the historic significance of the Abraham Accords and key issues in the Middle East region.
Yousef Al Otaiba on UAE-Israel Agreement
September 29, 2020
H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the UAE to the US, explains the importance of September 15, 2020, as a turning point for relations between Israel and the Arab world. He also emphasizes the opportunity that the UAE-Israel agreement offers to young people in both Israel and the UAE for generating greater understanding between each other and ushering in a fresh era of stability and prosperity for the Middle East region.
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba Addresses West Bank Annexation Op-Ed
June 15, 2020
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba addresses his historic decision to publish an op-ed in the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth titled, “Annexation will be a serious setback for better relations with the Arab world.” As the first direct warning to the Israeli public, Ambassador Al Otaiba explains the risks associated with the planned annexation of the occupied West Bank and how this decision will not only hinder relations and progress with the UAE, but the entire Arab World.
SiriusXM Interviews Yousef Al Otaiba on the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi
April 23, 2019
In April 2020, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba spoke to SiriusXM Career Mix Host Torin Ellin about the recent Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi. He discussed the UAE’s “Year of Tolerance” and the importance of supporting and accepting individuals who face challenges of every kind. He emphasized in particular the joy, excitement and enthusiasm of all including athletes, attendees, and everyone else who participated in the World Games.
Ambassador Al Otaiba Thanks Dr. Ajlan Al Zaki During COVID-19 Pandemic
April 17, 2020
As the coronavirus pandemic continued to worsen in the Spring of 2020, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba reached out to Dr. Ajlan Al Zaki to thank him for his commitment to helping others who suffered from the extremely contagious and potentially deadly disease. An Emirati national studying at Stanford University Hospital, Dr. Al Zaki chose to remain in California to attend to those affected by COVID-19 rather than returning home to Abu Dhabi.
H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba at the UAE’s 48th National Day Celebration
December 29, 2019
At the UAE’s 48th National Day Celebration, held at the US Institute of Peace in early December 2019, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba expressed support for inclusiveness for individuals of all religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and capabilities.
His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba Speaks at National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations
October 23, 2019
During the 28th Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference held by the National Council on US-Arab Relations, Minister Al Otaiba offered remarks on the critical nature of the ongoing dialogue between the United States and Arab countries. He reiterated that the UAE remains committed to its partnership with the US in helping to fight terrorism and maintain safe navigation in and around the Middle East.
President Trump Meets With Team USA 2019 Special Olympics Athletes
July 18, 2019
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba participated in a congratulatory meeting with Special Olympics Team USA athletes at the White House.
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba Visits Special Olympics Athletes at Team USA Training Camp
February 21, 2019
In September 2018, Ambassador Al Otaiba dropped by the training camp of Special Olympics Team USA in Delaware. During the visit, the Ambassador spoke with athletes and helped them run training drills as they prepared for the upcoming competitions in Abu Dhabi.
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba Visits Jacksonville to Announce Hurricane Irma Recovery Gift
October 17, 2018
In October 2018, Ambassador Al Otaiba traveled to Jacksonville, Florida, to announce aid for the city to help recover from the disastrous effects of Hurricane Irma. The funds were used especially to help schools pay for equipment, transportation, and rebuilding construction.
The Aspen Institute: There’s a War Coming
July 19, 2018
Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba joined a discussion at the 2018 Aspen Security Forum about the likelihood of a war between Arabian Gulf States and others given recent struggles in the region. He was joined by Former Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken, Former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman, and Former Deputy Secretary of Energy Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall.
United Arab Emirates ambassador dedicates field, plays soccer with Cleveland students
June 27, 2018
In May 2018, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba visited the Glenville Community Soccer Field, which was presented as a gift in May 2017 to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District as part of the UAE Embassy’s Community Soccer Program. Ambassador Al Otaiba spent the day playing soccer with children in the community and expressing support for the mutually supportive relationship between the UAE and the USA.
UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba Visits Cleveland Ohio
June 21, 2018
UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba’s commitment to underserved communities was on full display during his trip to Cleveland, Ohio. First stop included a visit to the Glenville Community Soccer Field, which the UAE Embassy helped construct as part of its Community Soccer Program. Next, the Ambassador held a roundtable discussion with officials from the Cleveland Clinic and visited Emirati patients at the clinic’s facilities. While in the city, Ambassador Al Otaiba also joined a forum on UAE-Ohio relations at the City Club of Cleveland.