Reliable Allies for 41 Years

1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s

1970s

founders

1971

  • President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan unites six independent states to form the United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Ras Al Khaimah would join the federation in February 1972.
  • The US becomes the third country to establish formal diplomatic relations with the UAE.

1972

  • The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi is established.
  • The Hilton Al Ain opens, making US-based Hilton the first international hotel brand to operate in the UAE.

1974

  • The UAE establishes an embassy in Washington, DC.

1975

  • Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, determines that its oil industry will remain open to outside investment, allowing US companies to continue their involvement. Today, the UAE is the only oil producer in the Gulf region to maintain international private-sector participation in the oil industry.

1979

  • General Motors Middle East opens in Dubai.

1980s

Carter

1980

  • The “Carter Doctrine” is defined when US President Jimmy Carter declares that “...an attempt by any outside force to gain control of the ...[Arabian] Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force.”

1984

  • The UAE supports the US role in the Tanker War, part of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). After this, the UAE supports the presence of US and other foreign naval vessels in the Gulf to guarantee freedom of passage for all trading ships.
  • UAE athletes participate in their first summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

1990s

Baker

1990

  • Iraq invades Kuwait in August. Abu Dhabi provides financial and logistical assistance to the US during Operation Desert Storm. The UAE deploys 2,000 of its own troops in the conflict.
  • Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi is first used for US Air Force operations. Today, US forces use Al Dhafra to conduct in-flight refueling missions and other critical regional operations.
  • UAE President HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan receives James A. Baker III, the first US Secretary of State to visit the UAE.

1992

  • The UAE emerges as one of the world’s largest markets for American-manufactured military and defense hardware. Between 1992 and 1994, the UAE spends $360 million on US defense equipment.

1994

  • The UAE and US sign a defense pact, permitting the US to base troops and equipment within federation borders. Jebel Ali port, in Dubai, is crucial to US naval operations, as it is the only harbor in the Gulf deep enough to berth an aircraft carrier.
  • McDonald’s opens its first restaurant in the UAE.

1995

  • The UAE joins the World Trade Organization.
  • The American University in Dubai is founded. It is the first American Institution of higher learning in the UAE.

1999

  • UAE troops participate in the Kosovo Force (KFOR), a NATO-led international peacekeeping force established under UN mandate. The UAE is the only Arab country to do so.
  • Baltimore, Maryland-based Johns Hopkins Medicine establishes an Abu Dhabi office to manage travel and care for Middle Eastern patients.
  • The American University of Sharjah is established.

2000s

Strata

2000

  • The UAE purchases 80 F-16 fighter jets from the US for approximately $7 billion.

2001

  • Abu Dhabi and Houston, Texas, become Sister Cities.
  • The United States is attacked on September 11. UAE authorities are among the first to condemn Al Qaeda. The UAE immediately severs relations with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. The UAE orders banks to freeze the assets of dozens of organizations and individuals suspected of funding terrorism.

2002

  • Dubai becomes the first Emirate to allow foreign ownership of property.
  • The UAE-US Strategic Partnership is launched by US Secretary of State Colin Powell and HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

2003

  • Dubai and Detroit, Michigan become Sister Cities.
  • UAE President HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan presents US General Tommy Franks with the Emirates Military Order of First Class, the highest military honor in the UAE, “in appreciation of his role in promoting cooperation and friendship between the UAE and the United States of America.”
  • The United States invades Iraq, joined by forces from the United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark and Poland.
  • The UAE provides significant monetary and materiel support to the US-backed Iraqi government, pledging $215 million in economic and reconstruction assistance.

2004

  • Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi is appointed as the UAE’s first woman minister.
  • His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan dies. US Secretary of State Colin Powell sends condolences, describing the UAE founder as “a model of generosity, wisdom and leadership.” His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayhan becomes president.
  • Construction begins on Burj Khalifa, designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP of Chicago, Illinois, designed to be the tallest man-made structure in the world when completed.
  • A UAE-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement is signed.
  • World’s largest General Motors Showroom opens in Sharjah (Liberty Automobiles).

2005

  • The UAE-US Joint Military Commission is established. The agenda focuses on mutual counter-terrorism efforts, the link between terrorism and narcotics trafficking, and efforts to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
  • The UAE and US begin Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
  • Hurricane Katrina hits the US Gulf Coast. The UAE provides $100 million to help the victims, one of the largest donations by any nation.
  • Dubai Ports Authority joins the US Department of Homeland Security's Container Security Initiative, which allows US customs officials to work in Dubai ports and inspect 100 percent of all goods going to the United States.
  • NASDAQ Dubai opens in Dubai.

2006

  • The US-UAE Joint Terrorist Financing Coordinating Committee (JTFCC) is launched to address issues of shared concern including cash couriers, charities and hawala and their involvement in the financing of terrorism.
  • Dubai Ports World purchases a British company managing some US ports, creating controversy in the US. DPW sells US port operations to a third party in 2007.
  • The US-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research is launched, uniting the UAE, US and Saudi Arabia in the fight against the disease.
  • The UAE holds indirect elections for the Federal National Council, a consultative parliamentary body.
  • The US and UAE Free Trade Agreement discussions are suspended. TIFA plus discussions initiated to build on FTA progress.
  • The UAE joins Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia to form the “Arab Quartet” to support international efforts to promote Middle East peace.
  • Delta Airlines becomes the first US carrier to have non-stop service from the US (Atlanta) to Dubai.
  • The US Chamber of Commerce launches the US-UAE Business Council, involving a number of leading companies committed to expanding commercial relations between the two countries.

2007

  • Tiger Woods Dubai, the first golf course designed by Woods, breaks ground.
  • The UAE cracks down on more than 60 companies under its stringent new export control laws.
  • Emirates Airlines details plans to buy 12 Boeing 777s worth approximately $3.2 billion. This order, along with previous sales, meant that Boeing would, on average, deliver one airplane a month to Emirates Airlines for at least the next four years.
  • New York University announces plans for its Abu Dhabi campus, the first comprehensive liberal arts campus established abroad by a major US research university.
  • Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology cooperate to establish the world’s first graduate level university focused on future energy in Abu Dhabi.

2008

  • The UAE hosts a visit by President George W. Bush, meeting with government leaders including HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. He also participated in a roundtable with young Arab leaders.
  • Abu Dhabi initiates a global dialogue to clarify the investment principles of government-owned funds. This International Working Group of Sovereign Wealth Funds, which includes the US Treasury, finalizes the “Santiago Principles” and in October, 23 countries commit to operate their funds purely on commercial principles and adopt transparency measures.
  • The UAE releases its first comprehensive progress reports on human trafficking, labor rights and the status of en. The reports indicate progress made and future goals, supporting efforts to make the government more accountable and transparent.
  • The US Congress approves a UAE request to purchase more than $15 billion in defense equipment, including the world’s most sophisticated missile defense system. The UAE is the only country, other than the United States, to deploy this technology.

2009

  • The UAE becomes the first country in the Arabian Gulf to sign an agreement with the United States to cooperate on development of a civilian nuclear energy program. Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), the entity responsible for overseeing the UAE’s nuclear program, is established.
  • National Geographic Abu Dhabi starts broadcasting as the first official Arabic language edition of the National Geographic Channel.
  • CNN Abu Dhabi opens its doors, expanding the global reach of the US-based news company. Located in Abu Dhabi’s media zone, twofour54, the CNN bureau coordinates newsgathering for CNN’s regional operations and features an HD and on-line production facility with 24/7 live capability.
  • UAE Air Force F-16 pilots participate for the first time in Red Flag, an advanced aerial combat training exercise with US military that is held annually at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas.

2010s

UNSC

2010

  • His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, joined US President Barack Obama and other global leaders in Washington DC at the Nuclear Security Summit.
  • Emirates Airlines becomes the world’s largest airline operator of Boeing 777 aircraft.
  • NYU Abu Dhabi admits the first class for its new campus in UAE.

2011

  • The UAE deploys a dozen fighter jets for combat missions under NATO command to protect the Libyan people throughout the conflict, and support the National Transitional Council.
  • The UAE participates for the first time at a G20 meeting.
  • To help Joplin, Missouri rebuild after a severe tornado devastated the town in 2011, the UAE provides significant grants to support the public school system and construction of a new pediatric healthcare wing at St. John’s Mercy Hospital.
  • The UAE Women’s National Soccer Team spends three weeks in the United States training with the Philadelphia Independence of the National Women’s Soccer League. The program includes joint coaching and training sessions, as well as visits to several area youth clubs and community service activities.
  • The UAE Embassy partners with Manchester City to build soccer fields for children in East Los Angeles, Miami and Harlem, NYC.
  • The United States and UAE announce that Abu Dhabi will be headquarters for Hedayah, the International Center of Excellence in Countering Violent Extremism, which focuses on combating terror and radicalism.

2012

  • The number of US cities served by UAE airlines with nonstop flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi increases to eight, with the launch of new nonstop flights by Emirates Airline from Dallas, Seattle and Washington, DC.
  • The Sheikh Zayed Tower for Cardiovascular Care at Johns Hopkins Medical Center opens in Baltimore.

2013

  • Making aviation history with the largest ever commercial aircraft order, UAE passenger airlines purchase over 300 new Boeing aircraft with a value of more than $120 billion at the Dubai Airshow.
  • Less than a decade after the first nonstop flights between the UAE and the US and in recognition of the strong bilateral ties, nine US cities offer non-stop daily flights to the UAE.
  • The UAE provides a $4.5 million donation to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund to repair and enhance technology infrastructure in over 30 public schools destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.
  • In September 2013 Lana Nusseibeh presents her credentials to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Ambassador Nusseibeh is the first female permanent representative to the UN and the fifth woman in the country to serve as an ambassador.

2014

  • The cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles and Dallas are also now the home of direct flights between the UAE and American cities each week, expanding the airlines’ presence in the US.
  • New York University in Abu Dhabi graduates its first class of 150 students from 39 countries. The campus also moves to its permanent home on Saadiyat Island, a larger location to house 2,000 students.
  • In May 2014, Meridian International Center and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates launch “Past Forward: Contemporary Arts for the Emirates,” the first major touring exhibition of Emirati art in the world. The exhibition tells the story of the UAE’s rich history, culture and rapid development through the works of 25 notable Emirati artists.
  • In October 2014, the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and the Government of the United Arab Emirates launch the Emirates Leadership Initiative (ELI), an innovative new education program. The program promotes educational exchanges between the UAE and US and helps train and empower emerging leaders and public officials across the UAE and the Middle East.

2015

  • In May 2015, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi opens its doors to patients in all units. A unique and unparalleled extension of US-based Cleveland Clinic’s Model of Care, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi provides direct access to the world’s best healthcare, reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment.
  • In July 2015, the US and the UAE partner to launch the Sawab Center, a multinational online messaging and engagement program that seeks to counter extremist propaganda. Emirati and American experts at the Center work side by side in both Arabic and English.  The word Sawab in Arabic signifies “doing the right thing” or being on the “right path.”
  • In December 2015, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens premiers, adding another chapter to the storied American film series. Significant portions of the movie were filmed in the desert of Abu Dhabi, with support from the Abu Dhabi Film Commission.

2016

  • In April 2016, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center dedicates the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Building for Personalized Cancer Care. Construction of the building was made possible through a $150 million grant by the Khalifa Foundation to accelerate the pace of personalized cancer therapies and pancreatic cancer research.
  • In May 2016, the “Past Forward” exhibit concludes its tour of the United States. The exhibit, put on by the UAE Embassy in Washington in partnership with Meridian International Center, visited seven US cities over the course of two years. This bilateral exchange introduced Americans to Emirati culture and UAE history through artworks and person-to-person exchanges, workshops, panel discussions, and gallery visits with Emirati artists.
  • In September 2016, Mubadala-owned GlobalFoundries announces plans to invest more than $2 billion in the production of 7-nanometer chips at its plant in upstate New York, further contributing to the local economy and supporting jobs for American workers.
  • The Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates in Los Angeles is the presenting sponsor of the 2016 Los Angeles Turkey Trot held on Thanksgiving Day. This sponsorship has become a yearly tradition since 2016. The race, which takes place annually, brought together runners to raise money for the Midnight Mission – an organization that works to tackle the challenge of homelessness in Los Angeles.
  • The United Arab Emirates opens consulates in New York and Boston. The consulates provide resources to Emirati nationals residing in or visiting the Eastern United States, while also seeking to enhance ties with American partners in the greater New York region and New England.

2017

  • The UAE and Gates Foundation launches the “Reaching the Last Mile Fund” to support efforts to eradicate treatable diseases like polio and malaria worldwide.
  • Ambassador Al Otaiba joins global leaders to announce a $30 million gift from the UAE Government to help drop the level of global polio infections down to zero.
  • The UAE government pledges $10 million to Texas and Florida, respectively, to help with local and state recovery efforts, following the destruction caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
  • The UAE Embassy, in partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS), announces the release of the inaugural edition of The Cancer Atlas in Arabic.
  • The UAE begins supporting the Susan G. Komen “Komen Race for the Cure” (now called DC More Than Pink Walk) in the fight against breast cancer, specifically funding breast cancer health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs in the National Capital Region.
  • The UAE Embassy and the Smithsonian signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cultural exchanges and create new opportunities for collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and UAE-based cultural and research organizations.

2018

  • In 2018, Johns Hopkins Medicine announces a $50 million gift from the UAE to establish the Sheikh Khalifa Stroke Institute.
  • A senior UAE delegation of government and faith leaders attends the US State Department Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom.
  • The UAE successfully launches the KhalifaSat, the first entirely UAE-made satellite, to reach space.
  • The UAE Women’s Hockey Team tours North America in February 2018, as part of the National Hockey League’s ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ month, and met with professional and local hockey teams, government officials and community leaders in Washington, DC, Chicago and Ottawa.

2019

  • The UAE declares 2019 as the “Year of Tolerance.”
  • Hazza Al Mansouri, the UAE’s first astronaut, reaches the International Space Station in September 2019. He conducts various experiments on behalf of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre with equipment provided by US-company Nanoracks and hosts a traditional Emirati dinner for his crewmates.
  • His Holiness Pope Francis makes a historic visit to the UAE. It is the first ever visit by a sitting pope to the Arabian Peninsula – the birthplace of Islam.
  • In March 2019, the UAE hosts the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, where 7,500 athletes from more than 190 countries competed across 24 Olympic-style sports.

2020s

MBZ and Biden walking

2020

  • In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE works closely with US partners to expand coronavirus testing, support scientific research and study of the virus and develop innovative solutions to enhance care for COVID patients.
  • In July 2020, the UAE Space Agency successfully launches the Hope Probe, the Arab world’s first interplanetary spacecraft, to Mars. Working closely with scientists at US educational institutions such as University of Colorado, University of California-Berkeley and Arizona State University, Emirati engineers completed the Arab world’s first interplanetary space probe while laying the foundations for a sustainable and dynamic space exploration industry in the UAE.
  • In September 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and the United States sign the Abraham Accords. The agreement fully normalized relations between Israel and the UAE, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough to advance peace for the region. 
  • On behalf of the people of the UAE, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan commits $25 million to expand Special Olympics’ Unified Champion Schools (UCS) program to six new countries—Argentina, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Romania and Rwanda.
  • In December 2020, Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Plant reaches 100% power capacity and becomes the single largest source of clean electricity in the UAE. In line with the landmark “123 Agreement” signed in 2009, the US is actively supporting the development of the UAE’s Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program.

2021

  • The cabinet of the UAE approves the establishment of an embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel.
  • Given its strategic location, logistical expertise, and thriving airline industry, the UAE plays a key role in the distribution of COVID vaccines and medical supplies worldwide.
  • Expo 2020 Dubai opens in October, the first Expo hosted in the Middle East.
  • In November 2021, the UAE is selected to host the 28th Session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (UNCCC COP 28) further demonstrating its role as a global leader in climate action.
  • The UAE celebrates its 50th National Day.

2022

  • The UAE takes up its non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term.
  • In March, Expo 2020 draws to a close. The global event welcomed 192 participating countries and 24 million visitors.
  • In May, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed passes away. US President Joe Biden extends his condolences and Vice President Kamala Harris leads a high-level US government delegation to the UAE. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan becomes President.

2023

  • UAE and US officials formed an Expert Group to govern the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE). The bilateral body is composed of private sector and government representatives from both countries and will support key decision makers in operationalizing the partnership.
  • In November, the UAE hosted the 28th Session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (UNCCC COP 28).
  • In November, the UAE and United States held their tenth Economic Policy Dialogue where both delegations continued critical discussions on investment, health security, aerospace, women’s economic empowerment, food and energy security, digital economy, energy security, as well as joint efforts to promote an effective, inclusive and balanced energy transition globally. 

2024

  • The UAE announced its participation to develop a module on NASA’s Lunar Gateway Station alongside the USA, Japan, Canada and the European Union, in addition to revealing plans to send the first Emirati astronaut into lunar orbit as part of the project.
  • The Meridian Space Diplomacy Forum, held in the US capital Washington DC, presented the Meridian International Center’s inaugural Global Leadership Award for Space Diplomacy to Ambassador Al Otaiba, in recognition of the UAE’s endeavors and achievements in the space sector. 
  • UAE National Security Advisor HH Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan completed a three-day visit to Washington, DC, meeting with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and other senior officials and members of Congress.
  • In September, President HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan traveled to the US to meet with US President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and other US government and business leaders. The historic visit marked the first official visit under HH’s presidency.  
  • The UAE and US governments signed an agreement between the UAE Ministry of Interior and the US Department of Homeland Security that will lead to the UAE’s inclusion in the US Global Entry Program.