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Yousef Al Otaiba

Ambassador of the UAE to the US

Embassy of the United Arab Emirates

Washington, DC, USA

Yousef Al Otaiba

Shurick Agapitov

Michael Alen-Buckley

RAB Capital Limited

Yousef’s Biography

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His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba has served as the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States since his appointment in 2008. Leading the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, his contributions toward furthering US–UAE ties led to his being promoted to Minister of State in 2017.

Over the past fifteen years, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba has leveraged his role as the nation’s most senior diplomat in the US to advance the UAE’s strategic interests. Through the Embassy’s UAE USA United campaign, Yousef has assisted in advancing cultural understanding and economic cooperation for a more united, prosperous future.

By partnering with organizations such as the US-UAE Business Council, Yousef Al Otaiba has headed strategic initiatives in sectors such as healthcare, sustainable energy and education. Ambassador Al Otaiba was also integral in establishing the UAE as the US’s biggest export market in the MENA region and has worked with US administrations to advance defense, armed forces and security alignment to address regional challenges.

During his tenure, Ambassador Al Otaiba... His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba has served as the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States since his appointment in 2008. Leading the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, his contributions toward furthering US–UAE ties led to his being promoted to Minister of State in 2017.

Over the past fifteen years, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba has leveraged his role as the nation’s most senior diplomat in the US to advance the UAE’s strategic interests. Through the Embassy’s UAE USA United campaign, Yousef has assisted in advancing cultural understanding and economic cooperation for a more united, prosperous future.

By partnering with organizations such as the US-UAE Business Council, Yousef Al Otaiba has headed strategic initiatives in sectors such as healthcare, sustainable energy and education. Ambassador Al Otaiba was also integral in establishing the UAE as the US’s biggest export market in the MENA region and has worked with US administrations to advance defense, armed forces and security alignment to address regional challenges.

During his tenure, Ambassador Al Otaiba has also set ambitious goals to further peace discussions in the MENA region. His 2020 opinion piece on normalizing the UAE–Israel alliance garnered international attention and played an important role in convening Emirati, American, Israeli and Bahraini representatives to sign the Abraham Accords. Since its signing, The Accords have brought significant economic and social advantages to the UAE and US.

Yousef Al Otaiba has led numerous philanthropic, social and cultural projects as both Emirati Ambassador and as a private citizen. He also assisted in the facilitation of the first-ever Special Olympics World Summer Games held in the Middle East – eventually joining the Special Olympics Board of Directors in 2019.

After completing his studies at Cairo American College, Yousef attended Washington, DC-based colleges Georgetown University and National Defense University. moreless

Yousef’s Newsfeed

PR Newswire

UAE, German Embassies Co-Host Event Celebrating 2023 Special Olympics World Games

UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba says, "Four years ago, we committed to make the Abu Dhabi Games the most inclusive event in the 50-year history of Special Olympics. Tonight, it is my honor to pass on the torch of the Special Olympics World Games to our German friends."

Business Wire

Bilateral Business Councils Announce Creation of I2U2 Business Coalition

The UAE-India Business Council, the UAE-Israel Business Council, and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to promote the I2U2 Initiative and garner private sector support for this new economic partnership among India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

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Yousef’s Background

Embassy of the United Arab Emirates

Ambassador of the UAE to the US

Jul 2008 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

Yousef Al Otaiba is the current Ambassador of the UAE to the U.S. The embassy is the UAE's diplomatic mission to the US. Appointed in 2008 the Ambassador has prioritized preserving and expanding the alliance between the UAE and the US. Al Otaiba’s was recognized as Ambassador of the Year by the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce in 2010. He was promoted to Minister of State in 2017.

Government of the United Arab Emirates

Minister of State

2017 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

As Minister of State and the UAE's top diplomat in the US, the Ambassador has a unique opportunity to disseminate a forceful message of tolerance and inclusion while focusing on the shared values that bind the UAE and the US together.

Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Mexico

Non-Resident Ambassador

Mexico City, MX

Yousef served the UAE as the non-resident Ambassador to Mexico. A non-resident embassy is one in which the Ambassador does not live in the country to which he is accredited.

The Crown Prince Court - UAE

Senior Advisor and Director of International Affairs

2000 - 2008

Abu Dhabi, AE

The Crown Prince Court (CPC) was founded in 1976 with the mission of assisting HH the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in carrying out His Highness' national and international responsibilities, as well as facilitating interaction between the Crown Prince and UAE citizens through general correspondence, hearing individual concerns and problems, and recommending solutions.

UAE USA United

Organizational Head

Washington, DC, USA

The UAE and the United States share a vision for the future that is centered on climate action, inclusivity, gender equality, diversity, educational achievement, and the promotion of arts and culture. Inspired by Ambassador Al Otaiba’s leadership, the UAE USA United campaign was created as a joint venture between the two countries to form valuable partnerships and grow this alliance.

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Yousef’s Gallery

Yousef Al Otaiba at the UAE embassy 50th anniversary celebration

Ambassador Al Otaiba meets with Senator Mitt Romney outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Washington, DC

Yousef Al Otaiba joins UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden

Yousef Al Otaiba at the East west institute event

Yousef Al Otaiba attends a newsweek event

Yousef Al Otaiba speaks as a etihad airways event

Yousef Al Otaiba at the Gates foundation

Yousef Al Otaiba meets with members of the US Chamber of Commerce

Yousef Al Otaiba speaking at an event

Yousef Al Otaiba at the UAE embassy 50th anniversary celebration

Ambassador Al Otaiba meets with Senator Mitt Romney outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Washington, DC

Yousef Al Otaiba joins UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden

Yousef Al Otaiba at the East west institute event

Yousef Al Otaiba attends a newsweek event

Yousef Al Otaiba speaks as a etihad airways event

Yousef Al Otaiba at the Gates foundation

Yousef Al Otaiba meets with members of the US Chamber of Commerce

Yousef Al Otaiba speaking at an event

Current Board Positions

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Member | Global Polio Eradication Initiative

2011 - Present

Washington, DC, USA

The United Arab Emirates and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation are collaborating to enhance world health. Since 2011, the UAE has partnered with the Gates Foundation to help distribute life-saving vaccines to those who need them most.

Special Olympics

Board of Directors

Washington, DC, USA

The Special Olympics was formed in 1968 with the goal of encouraging all persons to be included and accepted. It leverages the power of sport to give persons with intellectual disabilities a space to explore their talents, skills, abilities and successes.

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Previous Board Positions

EastWest Institute

Board of Directors

New York, NY, USA

The EastWest Institute's continuing programmatic work connects a diverse network of professionals and influencers around the world. The EWI participates in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, brings diametrically opposed parties to the bargaining table and anticipates and develops answers to global concerns.

Media

Yousef Al Otaiba

Washington, DC, USA

On his website, Yousef shares insights, media, news and information about his philanthropic endeavors in one extensively curated space.

The UAE teams up with the ADL to launch the Manara Center in Abu Dhabi

Mar 2023

The idea for the Manara Center was conceived in conversations with UAE Ambassador to the U.S. Yousef Al Otaiba several years ago, as the Gulf nation prepared for its Year of Tolerance.

US Remains UAE's Most Important Ally, Says Ambassador Al Otaiba in End-of-Year Statement

Dec 2022

Ambassador Al Otaiba reflects on the UAE’s successes over the past year in space exploration, climate action, and advancing the relationship between the US and the UAE.

UAE Officials Assist Biden Administration With Securing Brittney Griner’s Release

Dec 2022

UAE officials, including Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, assisted the US with negotiations to free US basketball player, Brittney Griner, from Russian detainment.

UAE Embassy in Washington, DC Celebrates Nation’s 51st National Day

Dec 2022

Officials from the UAE celebrated National Day 2022 with American partners and friends at the UAE Embassy. Ambassador Al Otaiba remarked on the strides that the UAE has made over the 51 years since the nation’s founding.

UAE showcases its culture: National Mall in the US to turn into Emirati majlis

Jun 2022

Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba celebrated the vast array of UAE cultures and traditions at the country’s Living Landscape | Living Memory program during the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Crotona Park Welcomes New Soccer Field Courtesy of UAE Embassy Program

May 2022

New York, NY, USA

Ambassador Al Otaiba joined Bronx officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the newly restored Crotona Park soccer field as part of the UAE Embassy’s Community Soccer Program.

Podbridge

Host

Washington, DC, USA

Podbridge was launched by the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC to provide new opportunities for global involvement and to build a bridge between the United States, the Middle East, and the rest of the globe. Special guests from a variety of fields are invited to provide their perspectives on current events, cultural trends, and global issues.

UAE envoy to US hints at expanded food and tech co-operation with Israel

Article

Nov 2021

Abu Dhabi, AE

Building upon the Abraham Accords, Yousef Al Otaiba suggested that the Emirates could work to expand two recently announced working groups with Israel. The working groups offer significant progress in the areas of food security, agriculture, and technology.

UAE ambassador hosts Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Blinken and Lapid in Washington

Article

Oct 2021

Abu Dhabi, AE

In the spirit of the Abraham Accords, Yousef Al Otaiba welcomed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UAE and Israeli ministers Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Yair Lapid gathered for dinner at his residence.

Diplomats mark one year since Abraham Accords in NY, Washington

Article

Sep 2021

Jerusalem, IL

Diplomats from Israel, the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco gathered in Washington, D.C. and New York to mark one year since the historic Abraham Accords agreements.

Top UAE, Israeli diplomats recall their nations’ long road to peace

Article

Feb 2021

Washington, DC, USA

Yousef Al Otaiba and others discuss the long road that has seen the UAE move from an economic boycott of Egypt in 1979 for making peace with Israel to the signing of the Abraham Accord in 2020.

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Interviews

50 Years | 50 Faces Campaign Spotlights Yousef Al Otaiba

Nov 2021

As part of the UAE Embassy's 50 Years | 50 Faces campaign, Yousef Al Otaiba reflects on his lifelong journey leading up to becoming Ambassador of the UAE to the US.

Impact of the Abraham Accords

Jun 2021

In this interview with The National News , Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba discussed his widely read op-ed, “Annexation Will Be a Serious Setback for Better Relations with the Arab World,” and the future of UAE-Israel normalization.

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Features

Yousef Al-Otaiba Is The Most Powerful Man in Washington You've Never Heard Of - The Huffington Post

2015

Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the UAE to the US, has worked to strengthen ties between the UAE and the US throughout his career. This feature highlights Al Otaiba’s contributions to various organizations around Washington, DC and his role in the US political landscape.

Amb. Yousef Al Otaiba deserves a Nobel Peace Prize

Sep 2021

Washington, DC, USA

This feature highlights Yousef Al Otaiba's diplomatic career, notably his role in facilitating the Abraham Accords.

50 Years | 50 Faces

Contributor

2021

50 Years | 50 Faces is a UAE Embassy storytelling initiative that features contributions from a range of Emiratis and Americans who share their personal stories on the UAE’s history and relations with the US.

Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, the man behind the UAE-Israel deal

Sep 2020

Jerusalem, IL

After the signing of the Abraham Accords Peace Agreement, The Jerusalem Post published a feature on Yousef Al Otaiba, highlighting his tireless work in advancing peace among MIddle Eastern nations and his extensive background as a diplomat and global leader.

Yousef Al Otaiba: Our man in Washington

Feb 2020

Dubai, AE

Arabian Business highlights Yousef's diplomatic career in Washington, DC, while also offering insight into his background, education, and charitable work.

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Publications

U.S. Policy Toward Arab States, Palestinians, and Israel: Ideas and Approaches for the Biden Administration

Author

Feb 2021

Washington, DC, USA

Yousef Al Otaiba and other officials, business executives and scholars examine the economic, political and human consequences of regional normalization initiatives, as well as their potential to re-ignite Palestinian peace talks.

Shalom, salaam and welcome

Author

Aug 2020

Washington, DC, USA

Yousef Al Otaiba, the UAE Ambassador to the US, praises the new agreement with Israel as a stepping stone to a better future in the Middle East, including increased prosperity and innovation, greater chances for young people, and the dismantling of long-held stereotypes.

Annexation will be a serious setback for better relations with the Arab world

Author

Aug 2020

Washington, DC, USA

In this op-ed, Yousef Al Otaiba writes that a unilateral and unlawful acquisition of Palestinian land will defy international consensus on the Palestinian right to self-determination, spark riots and send shockwaves throughout the region, notably in Jordan, where the stability of Israel is often taken for granted.

A Successful Mideast Nuclear Deal

Author

Mar 2020

Washington, DC, USA

Yousef Al Otaiba writes about the successful start to a nuclear energy power plant in the United Arab Emirates.

Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi is a sign of progress

Author

Mar 2019

Washington, DC, USA

The Abu Dhabi World Games were the first and largest World Games ever staged in the region. Yousef writes that he believes the games will highlight the skills, achievements and untapped potential of those who have been marginalized around the world.

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Memberships

Center for Public Leadership | Harvard Kennedy School

Member

Boston, MA, USA

The Center for Public Leadership Research was established in 2000 as a gift to the Harvard Kennedy School from the Wexner Foundation. The center undertakes research to provide effective leadership skills to leaders in government, non-profit organizations and business.

Meridian International Center

Supporter

Washington, DC, USA

Meridian is a nonpartisan, nonprofit diplomacy center that links leaders through culture and collaboration to drive global solutions.

The Wilson Center

Expert, Middle East Program

Washington, DC, USA

The Wilson Center in Washington, DC, is a renowned think tank that brings together experience and new ideas to help tackle the world's most pressing policy concerns.

The Washington Institute

Member

Washington, DC, USA

The Washington Institute's objective is to promote policies that foster a balanced and realistic view of American interests in the Middle East.

Milken Institute

Member

Washington, DC, USA

The Milken Institute is a global non-profit organization that helps individuals establish meaningful and healthy lives in which they may access effective education and gainful employment while also developing and contributing to the larger community.

Guggenheim

Member

New York, NY, USA

The Guggenheim Museum, founded in 1937, is a repository for Impressionist, early-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary art. Some of the world's most well-known works of art are permanently housed at the museum.

The Kennedy Center

Member

Washington, DC, USA

The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a thriving cultural hub that annually links thousands of performers with millions of people in person, online and in their communities.

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Awards & Recognition

100 Most Influential People of 2020: Yousef Al Otaiba

Honoree

Sep 2020

New York, NY, USA

Yousef was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People. As the UAE's long-serving Ambassador to the US, Yousef holds significant influence in Washington, which greatly advances the small Gulf nation.

Joseph E. Robert, Jr. Prize in Philanthropy

Award Recipient

Mar 2015

Washington, DC, USA

The Joseph E Robert Jr Philanthropy Prize was established to recognize families who have given back after a personal encounter with the institution. Ambassador Al Otaiba was instrumental in the establishment of the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation in 2009, which specializes in advanced surgery, pain treatment, and other pediatric-related advances.

National Defense University International Fellows Hall of Fame Program

Hall of Fame Inductee

2000

Washington, DC, USA

The International Fellows Hall of Fame was created in 1999. The goal of this program is to provide a prestigious and visible means of honoring National Defense University (NDU) graduates who have attained the highest positions in their nation's armed forces, service component or government through merit, or who have held an equivalent position in a multinational organization.

2016 NYU Abu Dhabi Global Leadership Award

Award Recipient

2016

Abu Dhabi, AE

Ambassador Al Otaiba was honored with the Global Leadership Award honoring his commitment to furthering the aim of a responsible, just and peaceful world and his support for the university.

2015 Georgetown Soccer Alumni Award

Award Recipient

Dec 2015

Washington, DC, USA

Yousef Al Otaiba was awarded the Soccer Alumni Award for his continued support of the sports team.

2013 Distinguished Diplomatic Service Award - World Affairs Council of Washington

Award Recipient

Mar 2013

Washington, DC, USA

The World Affairs Council of Washington, DC presented the Distinguished Diplomatic Service Award to Ambassador Al Otaiba. The award acknowledges the UAE's efforts to develop its bilateral relationship with the United States through diplomatic outreach and engagement.

2010 Ambassador of the Year, National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce

Award Recipient

2010

Washington, DC, USA

The National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce "Ambassador of the Year" award is given to a member of the Arab diplomatic corps in the United States each year for outstanding contributions to US-Arab relations.

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Specialist Courses

Georgetown University

Leadership Seminar at the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy

2007

Washington, DC, USA

The Institute for the Study of Diplomacy in the School of Foreign Service organizes and hosts the annual Georgetown Leadership Seminar, a prominent executive education program. Over the course of 30 years, more than 900 people from over 100 countries have taken part in the program.

Speaking Engagements

McCain Institute’s Sedona Forum

Featured Speaker

Apr 2022

Sedona, AZ, USA

Yousef Al Otaiba spoke on how the Abraham Accords have affected the MENA region in a segment titled “Impact of the Agenda Abraham Accords.”

Liberty University hosts ambassadors for Abraham Accords discussion

Panel Member

Apr 2022

Lynchburg, VA, USA

Yousef Al Otaiba joined other global leaders in a discussion on the road to signing the Abraham Accords peace agreements and how they see the agreement's role in future efforts at peace in the region.

Ambassador Al Otaiba Reflects on Abraham Accords with US and Israeli Counterparts

Mar 2022

Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba and other world leaders gathered to discuss the progress made following the official signing of the Abraham Accords.

The Year of the 50th - A celebration of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee

Dec 2021

The UAE Embassy celebrated the UAE’s 50th National Day and Golden Jubilee at The Reach at the Kennedy Center.

The Abraham Accords: Impact on Regional Diplomacy

Nov 2021

Starting at 1:15:50, Yousef Al Otaiba joined former Ambassador Marc Siever to discuss the Abraham Accords at the Atlantic Council’s recent conference on security.

The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy & Johns Hopkins SAIS Partnership

Jul 2021

Ambassador Al Otaiba joined other ambassadors and Johns Hopkins leaders to honor the partnership between the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and the UAE’s Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA).

The Abraham Accords: A Pathway to Peace with Economic Prosperity

Panel Discussion

Apr 2021

Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba and Ambassador Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa discuss the early accomplishments of the Abraham Accords and their shared vision for its impact on regional peace in the future.

The Cleveland Clinic - Ideas for Tomorrow

Mar 2021

Ambassador Al Otaiba’s lecture for Cleveland Clinic’s Ideas for Tomorrow, a virtual speaker series that features leaders in their discussion regarding the future of healthcare.

Dean's Speaker Series Panel on Diplomacy

Feb 2021

In a discussion titled, “The Future of Arab-Israeli Diplomacy,” Yousef Al Otaiba and Jeremy Issacharoff, Amb. of Israel to Germany, 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

Panelist

Feb 2021

Washington, DC, USA

The Washington Institute convened a virtual Policy Forum with Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, Samer Khoury, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum and David Makovsky to honor the release of this special study and discuss policy on Israel, Palestine, and the larger Arab world.

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Charitable Interests

Goodwill Fund: King Hussein Cancer Center

Amman, JO

Created by Yousef and Abeer Al Otaiba, the Goodwill Fund supports the King Hussein Cancer Center in providing patients with comprehensive care, raising awareness for cancer prevention, and supporting nonprofit initiatives in Jordan and around the world.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Donor

Seattle, WA, USA

Ambassador Al Otaiba has pledged over $150 million on behalf of the UAE in to fund vaccination efforts and medical treatments to help eliminate polio, particularly in vulnerable communities.

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Community Engagement

NYU Abu Dhabi

Commencement Speaker

Abu Dhabi, AE

His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, an early and important supporter of NYU Abu Dhabi and the UAE Ambassador to the United States, delivered keynote remarks at NYU Abu Dhabi’s 3rd graduation ceremony on Monday, May 23, 2016.

County officials and McLean Youth Soccer celebrate opening of newly converted Holladay Field

Tysons, VA, USA

Yousef Al Otaiba attended the grand opening of the Holladay Field project in November of 2021. Also a donor of the facility’s renovation project, Yousef sees this as an important project that helps highlight the importance of youth sports for kids, families, and the community.

NYU Abu Dhabi

Partner

Abu Dhabi, AE

NYU Abu Dhabi, a research university with a fully integrated liberal arts and scientific college, is the first comprehensive liberal arts and science campus in the Middle East to be run abroad by a major American research institution.

Johns Hopkins University

Partner

Baltimore, MD, USA

Johns Hopkins University is a private research institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. The university was named after its first sponsor, the American entrepreneur and philanthropist Johns Hopkins, when it was founded in 1876. It is the country's oldest research university.

Cleveland Clinic

Partner

Cleveland, OH, USA

The Cleveland Clinic is a multispecialty academic medical institution that provides clinical and hospital care as well as research and education.

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Press Releases

UAE Embassy in Washington, DC Hosts Annual Interfaith Iftar; Ambassador Highlights UAE's Commitment to Tolerance, Religious Diversity in UAE

May 2019

Abu Dhabi, AE

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to the US, Yousef Al Otaiba, hosted an interfaith Iftar at the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC. More than 150 religious leaders, senior government and community officials, and members of the media were in attendance.

UAE Embassy in Washington DC Celebrates Nation’s 50th National Day

Dec 2021

Washington, DC, USA

On December 2nd, diplomats gathered at the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Washington, DC to celebrate the UAE’s 50th National Day and Golden Jubilee. The event is a tribute to the UAE’s five decades as a nation.

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Yousef’s Education

The Eisenhower School of National Security and Resources Strategy

Cairo American College

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