Interview with H.E. Saqr Ghobash

Americans who saw the show were surprised at our indoor ski slopes, our cutting edge technology, our post-modern architecture, our tolerance of other cultures, and the ways that we have successfully melded tradition with modernity.

In just over three decades, I am proud to say, our government has shifted the nation from a tribal culture based on agriculture and fishing to a highly successful international marketplace. We provide a world-class infrastructure for businesses, and we have made great strides in promoting education, healthcare, the rights of individuals, and the rule of law.

As Ambassador, you are very involved in government-to-government discussions. But is there also a role to be played by civil society and the private sector in our two nations?

The United States has the most developed and influential civil society in the world, and my country can learn a lot from the experience of your nation. The spirit of volunteerism is everywhere in America, and community service helps to fill gaps that governments are sometimes unable to tackle. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are on the rise in the Arab world, including the UAE, because we have seen first-hand how effective they can be in reaching people in need.

Commerce has always played an influential role in shaping relations among nations, and our part of the world has been a crossroads for traders and cultural exchange for millennia. The UAE and the USA share a solid commitment to free enterprise and open markets, which helps to explain why the UAE has become America’s number one export market in the Middle East. Americans like to say that the “business of business is business,” and I think it’s safe to say that the UAE business community would agree wholeheartedly!

UAE Ambassador to the United States

You have been in Washington for one year. What has impressed you most about the UAE-U.S. relationship? Have there been any surprises?

I arrived in Washington last year in the midst of the DP World controversy. This was a very challenging period in UAE-U.S. relations, in large part because there was so much grandstanding taking place and so little understanding of DP World’s intentions. It was not a pleasant environment in which to begin one’s tenure as ambassador.

In fact, I’ve been pleased and relieved to find that despite the DP World controversy – or perhaps because of it – the American people are anxious to learn more about the United Arab Emirates. They ask very thoughtful questions about our people, our traditions, our leadership, and our role in the world. I am very impressed by the warmth and hospitality of the American people, and I hope that my embassy can play an instrumental role in promoting closer people-to-people relations between our two nations.

In the United States, you say that every dark cloud has a silver lining. I suppose that the “silver lining” in the DP World controversy is that the UAE is now better known in the United States than ever before, which presents us with a unique opportunity to build the people-to-people relationship.

The UAE is a strong ally of the United States, but many Americans are unaware of the depth and breadth of the UAE-U.S. relationship. What are some of the ways the UAE has stood by the U.S. in recent years?

Relations between the Emirates and the United States are founded on a common embrace of values and interests, a desire for peace and security in the region, as well as a commitment to global responsibility. The UAE and other nations in the region share such common goals with the United States as:

• Enhancing stability and security and keeping the region free of nuclear weapons. We are keen on diplomatic efforts that will address this issue.
• Fighting terrorism and challenging the spread of radical ideologies. Islam is a religion of tolerance, compassion, and peace. Unfortunately, a small number of extremists are doing their best to radicalize Islam and drive a wedge between Muslims and peoples of other faiths.
• Encouraging global free markets and open investment. More than any other nation in the Middle East, in my

opinion, the UAE is a beacon for business. We might have been content to rest on our laurels and live off our energy resources, but we chose instead to diversify our economy.

In terms of mutual security interests, the UAE has worked hand in hand with the U.S. to identify and capture terrorist cells. In addition, the UAE is the only Arab Muslim nation to send special forces to fight alongside U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. And in 2006 alone, the UAE hosted over 600 visits by U.S. naval vessels – more visits than any other port outside the United States.

Our two nations have established joint task forces to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and nuclear proliferation. And with ten percent of global oil reserves and the fifth largest gas reserves in the world, the UAE is a critical partner for energy security.

The UAE’s commitment to the relationship extends well beyond security and economics. For example, we have formed partnerships with such great American institutions as Harvard University, the Cleveland Clinic, the Johns Hopkins University, and the Guggenheim Museum. And in the days after Hurricane Katrina, we were proud to pledge $100 million to help the victims of that terrible situation.

In short, the UAE has been one of America’s most consistent friends and allies over the years, helping to build a relationship that has been of great benefit to both of our nations.

Have you encountered any stereotypes about the UAE or the Emirati people?

I think there are many misconceptions about the Arab world in general, including the UAE. We sometimes bump into stereotypes revolving around camels, polygamy, oil barons, and the like. But when people visit the UAE, these stereotypes are dispelled immediately.

NBC’s Today Show broadcast from Dubai recently, and I’m guessing that many