Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is spearheading a significant economic delegation to the United States as part of its ongoing initiatives to enhance strategic partnerships with major global economies. This move aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for talent, business, and investment on the international stage.
According to Emirates News Agency, the delegation, led by Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, comprises over 100 senior representatives from 44 government and private sector entities in Abu Dhabi. These entities include the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), Mubadala, Aldar, and Hub71. The visit is set to include high-level meetings with US business leaders and investors across various strategic sectors to explore collaboration and investment opportunities.
A key highlight of the delegation's visit is the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in New York, organized in partnership with ADIO and ADGM. Additionally, a Family Business roundtable will be held by the Abu Dhabi Chamber and the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU). These events are designed to showcase the Emirate's economic transformation, investment opportunities, and reinforce its position as a global business and investment hub.
Al Zaabi emphasized the longstanding and strategic partnership between the United States and Abu Dhabi, stating that the economic ties continue to thrive across key sectors. He noted that the visit aims to build on shared commitments to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth by engaging with leaders who are influential in shaping the economic landscape.
The United States is a pivotal trading partner for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. In 2024, bilateral trade reached US$34.4 billion, an 8.5% increase from the previous year. The UAE remains the largest US trading partner in the Middle East, with trade impacting all 50 US states and supporting over 184,000 jobs.
UAE's investments in the US have surpassed US$1 trillion, contributing significantly to growth and job creation. Recently, the UAE has committed to investing $1.4 trillion in the US economy over the next decade, prioritizing sectors such as AI development, infrastructure, energy, advanced manufacturing, technology and innovation, space, and aviation.
Abu Dhabi's business environment is increasingly attracting US companies, which are actively participating in the Emirate's innovation-driven economic landscape. There is a growing presence of US financial institutions registered at ADGM, the largest and fastest-growing international financial center in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.