A delegation led by the Dubai Investment Development Agency, Dubai FDI, an agency of Dubai Economy, recently concluded a tour of the US during which they reinforced existing trade and investment links and successfully promoted the emirate as a growth hub and gateway to the world’s fastest-growing regional markets.

The delegation, which also included representatives from the Emirates Group, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, DMCC, and the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, DTCM, had productive interactions with senior government as well as corporate executives and business leaders in Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon.

Abdulla Alsaboosi, UAE Consul-General in Los Angeles, also accompanied the delegation during the tour, which was supported by the US-UAE Business Council. The delegation presented Dubai's development strategies and policy initiatives, as well as its connectivity to the broader Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, across a range of meetings, seminars and field visits in the two cities.

"While Dubai has reinforced its credentials as the place to be for businesses, our focus on knowledge and innovation has more than ever made the US a strategic source market for the emirate and the UAE in general. It was our fourth visit to the US in the last three years and we are encouraged by the outcomes from each visit," said Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO of Dubai FDI.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of DMCC, added, "Our latest trade mission to the US Pacific Northwest, organised by Dubai FDI, enabled Dubai’s leading entities to ultimately attract more trade to the region and drive the next wave of growth.

"As multinationals in established markets seek to expand in global markets, it is critical that we underline why Dubai is a first choice destination, and at the same time, that we understand their requirements and timelines. Likewise, trade missions like the ones arranged by Dubai FDI highlight the importance of best practices that can be shared between countries."