Stronger Trade Partnership between UAE, Chicago

UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba conducted a public diplomacy outreach visit to Chicago, Illinois earlier this week with the aim to enhance the already strong relations between Chicago and the UAE on commercial, social and cultural levels. The Ambassador was received by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel at a luncheon hosted by World Business Chicago and the Mayor in the Ambassador's honor. The luncheon was attended by 14 senior executives from leading business groups in the region.

During the luncheon, Ambassador Al Otaiba, Mayor Emanuel and World Business Chicago Vice-Chairman Michael Sacks made remarks underscoring the importance of economic development through strong trade partnerships between Chicago and the UAE. "I am honored to visit Chicago today and thank Mayor Emanuel and the city for their warm welcome," said Ambassador Al Otaiba. "Chicago is the perfect representation of the growing bilateral economic relationship between the US and the UAE with outstanding commercial ties spanning industries like aerospace, manufacturing, services, travel and tourism".

"We are global partners in economic growth," said Mayor Emanuel. "Chicago is one of the most diverse cities in the world and continues to focus on embracing global partnerships that are beneficial in job creation, economic development and cultural enrichment ". In addition, hundreds of Chicago-area children celebrated the grand opening of the brand new UAE - Manchester City Field at Haas Park in Chicago. The field was a gift to the community by the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, the Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation and Manchester City Football Club. The event was attended by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba, Chicago Park District Chief Executive Officer Mike Kelly, Club Ambassador for Manchester City Football Club Mike Summerbee, Dr. Bryan Traubert and Penny Pritzker from the Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation, and many local Chicago officials.

The UAE Embassy and Manchester City FC, through its "City Soccer in the Community" program, have teamed up to provide deserving children access to quality playing fields in US communities along with Manchester City's award winning coaching and education programs. This is the fourth soccer field that the UAE Embassy and Manchester City FC have worked together to build and gift in the US. Earlier this year a field and program were established at The Hank Kline Boys '&' Girls Club in Miami, Florida and at Lexington Academy in Harlem, New York City. In the Fall of 2011, The Boys '&' Girls Club of East Los Angeles received a field at their facility, The Haas Park field was built in partnership with the Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation's "Take the Field" initiative.

"We are delighted to bring world-class soccer facilities to the Haas Park community today," said Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States. "Establishing a first-rate field here in Chicago, along with Manchester City's commitment to a long-term coaching program will positively impact the lives of many kids in this area," he said. Ambassador Al Otaiba was joined on the visit by senior diplomats and staff members from the UAE Embassy.