UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba Honored by World Affairs Council of Washington, DC with 2013 Distinguished Diplomatic Service Award
March 11, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC (7 March 2013) – Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to the United States, was honored recently by the World Affairs Council of Washington, DC (WAC-DC) at the organization’s Global Education Gala, where he accepted, on behalf of the UAE diplomatic corps, the Distinguished Diplomatic Service Award. The award recognizes the work the UAE has done strengthen its bilateral relationship with the US through diplomatic outreach and engagement.
During introductory remarks by WAC-DC officials, Ambassador Al Otaiba and the UAE were lauded for the country’s education and humanitarian efforts in the US. The officials also highlighted the deepening bilateral relationship, describing how increased trade and partnerships between UAE and US organizations are building bridges between these two cultures. The UAE’s commitment to international defense cooperation, including support for coalition activities in Afghanistan and Libya, was also noted.
The gala event was held in Washington, DC, and was attended by nearly 1,000 senior government officials, business and community leaders, and educators. Also in attendance at the event were diplomats from nearly 60 other nations. Other honorees at the WAC-DC event were Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County; John Chambers, Chairman & CEO of CISCO Systems; and Frederick Thomas, Founder & CEO of MHz Networks. General Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the Keynote Address at the event.
The WAC-DC is a leading forum for global education and international affairs. The Gala highlighted the WAC-DC’s regional, national, and global outreach programs, which involve students, teachers, parents, community leaders, educators, the American public, and international community representatives in special programs. WAC-DC’s programs expand understanding of global education and international affairs issues that impact the United States and its relationships around the world.