Videos
Watch recent videos of His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the United States of America (USA).
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.
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.