UAE's Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba wins ministerial post

Nine year service of building international ties recognised in federal decree

Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US, met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Evelyn Hockstein / The National

The UAE’s Ambassador to the United States, Yousef Al Otaiba, has been promoted to the rank of minister by a federal decree issued by President Sheikh Khalifa.

The move comes after nine years of service as ambassador by Mr Al Otaiba, who has had his work to increase bilateral ties between the two nations acknowledged.

Since 2008, he has worked closely with US government officials and business leaders to deepen economic and trade relations, whilst further enhancing security ties.

His work has retained further focus on developing military, intelligence and counterterrorism co-operation to help strengthen stability in the region.

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Prior to his ambassadorial role, Mr Al Otaiba was integral in developing relations with the US via his position as director of international affairs for the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.

In this role, he served as one of the UAE’s principal security, anti-terrorism and defence liaisons to other governments. He was also heavily involved in diplomatic efforts to improve regional security and defence co-operation.

Mr Al Otaiba will remain in his current role as the UAE’s Ambassador to the US, continuing to oversee strategic initiatives that enhance bilateral relations.

This includes the UAE’s significant commitment to philanthropic activities that benefit underserved communities across America, enhance education for children and improve healthcare research and treatment.

Since taking up his position stateside, Mr Al Otaiba has helped to develop closer social, educational and cultural ties via partnerships and exchanges with the Cleveland Clinic, New York University, Children’s National Medical Centre, Johns Hopkins and the Smithsonian, among other US institutions.