ABC Hosts His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum at 30th Anniversary Gala

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Laura Goodnight Company Name: American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates Tel: 04.379.1414 Email: communications@abcdubai.com Website: www.abcdubai.com

The American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates Hosts His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group at 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration DUBAI – MARCH 6, 2015 The American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates (ABC) commemorated 30 successful years of operating in Dubai by hosting His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, at a Gala celebration on the evening of Friday, March 6. The gala welcomed a distinguished audience of nearly 400 Emirati and American business leaders and government officials at the Armani Hotel Dubai, in the Burj Khalifa.

Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group flanked by The Honorable Robert Waller, US Consul General in Dubai; and Ramsey Jurdi, President of the American Business Council and International Partner at Chadbourne & Parke

Ramsey Jurdi, President of the American Business Council and International Partner at Chadbourne & Parke acknowledged the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai by presenting him, on behalf of the American Business Council membership, an exclusive Tiffany & Co. timepiece, representing the relationship between the US and the UAE over the

past 30 years. Mr. Jurdi stated, “This milestone embodies the strength of enduring relationship between the US and the UAE and represents the past 30 years of doing business, creating opportunities, and partnering with Dubai and the UAE. The UAE is the US’ top trading partner in the Middle East and Africa. We can attribute much of this success to the UAE’s leadership and Dubai’s openness to working with international companies. With over 1,000 American companies and 50,000 American citizens in the UAE, both countries remain extremely well positioned for a longstanding and strong bilateral relationship. The ABC’s 30th Anniversary commemorates this history and sets the stage for another 30 years of mutual growth and partnership.”

The evening continued as the ABC unveiled its new logo. For the past 30 years, the ABC has been recognized by the red, white, and blue sailboat. But as they do, things have changed, time has moved on, and so must the ABC. Therefore, the ABC has seized the opportunity to develop a new logo that represents the organization as it was yesterday, as it is today, and as it will be tomorrow and years to come. The logo represents this objective of two countries linked together in success.

The evening concluded on a high note with a live auction where more than 235,000 AED was raised. The community’s generosity will be donated to Dubai Cares - a philanthropic organization working to provide children in developing countries with access to quality primary education.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support from our sponsors: FedEx, General Motors, Emirates, Peninsula Hotel New York, Peninsula Hotel Shanghai, American Hospital Dubai, Contempo Events Design, Flowers by Contempo, PepsiCo, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Boeing, Cara Jewelers, Crystal Gallery, Dr. Kamil Al Rustom Skin & Laser Centre, and International New York Times.

About the American Business Council The American Business Council of Dubai & the Northern Emirates operates under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and functions as a Chapter of the US Chamber of Commerce. Since its founding in 1985, the American Business Council has supported US business interests in Dubai & the Northern Emirates and acts as a liaison between government and commercial enterprises.

The American Business Council is a 500 plus member-driven organization. Fortune 500 companies and key business leaders are well represented among the members of the American Business Council. The American Business Council provides a forum for understanding and interaction between the local business community and members of the American Business Council. Members are supported through a robust calendar of informational programs, round-table discussions, and business networking opportunities.

For more information about the American Business Council and to learn how members are engaged, visit us at www.abcdubai.com. ###