The UAE mission in Los Angeles is the country’s first Consulate in the US
LOS ANGELES, California — Yousuf Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US and Abdullah Al Saboosi, UAE Consul General, have formally opened the UAE’s Consulate in Los Angeles, the country’s first Consulate in the US
The opening reception and ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Michael Corbin, US Ambassador to the UAE, political officials and business leaders in Los Angeles as well as members of the diplomatic community.
“This consulate celebrates another milestone in the UAE-US bilateral relationship,” said Consul-General Al Saboosi. “Los Angeles is an ideal location for the Consulate — especially given the many similarities shared by the UAE and California: diversity, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a dedication to innovation.”
In addition to establishing and strengthening government and business relationships in the western US, the Consulate in Los Angeles will offer consular services, diplomatic documentation, and resources for commerce and trade. It will serve as the focal point for enhancing UAE-US cooperation and support on the West Coast.
The consulate opening coincided with Etihad Airways’ launch of a daily non-stop flight between Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles. However, ties between the Golden State and the UAE span beyond aviation.
Trade between the two is burgeoning and, in 2013, California ranked fifth among US states exporting merchandise to the UAE. California’s top exports to the UAE include agricultural products, automotive and other manufactured goods, computers, and nuts. These exports to the UAE also support over 22,000 jobs in California.
Beyond its close economic relationship with California, the UAE has remained the US’ largest trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa for the last five years. In 2013, overall trade between the UAE and US exceeded $26 billion (Dh95.50 billion).
In addition, nearly 400 Emirati students attend universities in California, more than in any other US state.
“The opening of the first Consulate in the United States demonstrates the closeness of the UAE and US, and the importance of California,” said Ambassador Al Otaiba. “I am confident that Consul-General Al Saboosi will deepen existing friendships, and create new ones that further expand this bilateral relationship.”–Wam