December 2025

UAE Embassy Celebrates 54th National Day

The UAE Embassy marked the nation’s 54th National Day on December 2 with a celebration of "Unity and Progress," bringing together community partners and distinguished guests — including US Secretary of Energy Doug Burgum, US Senators Mark Warner of Virginia, Steven Daines of Montana, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Joni Ernst of Iowa and several members of the US House of Representatives — to honor the strong partnership between the UAE and the United States.

Under the theme "Hand in Hand," the event reflected the UAE's 2025 "Year of Community" and the shared commitment to building meaningful progress through connection and service. Ambassador Al Otaiba delivered brief remarks that emphasized how the spirit of community — rooted in the vision of the UAE's founder, Sheikh Zayed — continues to guide the nation.

Twin Emirati Chefs Serve Up a Taste of Home, Hope and Hospitality in Washington, D.C.

Twin chefs Maitha and Abdulrahman Al Hashmi, the youngest certified culinary professionals in the UAE, brought the spirit of Emirati hospitality to Washington, D.C. during the UAE Embassy’s 54th National Day celebration. As special guests, the Al Hashmi twins curated a menu featuring innovative Emirati-American fusion dishes, sharing the warmth and creativity of their heritage with attendees.

Beyond the event, they visited patients at Children’s National Hospital, prepared meals alongside World Central Kitchen staff and engaged with students at a local school, fostering cultural exchange and community connection throughout their visit.

The recent approval of advanced US semiconductor exports to the UAE signals a new era for the UAE-US partnership — one built on trust, shared ambition and a commitment to global leadership in technology and AI. This milestone paves the way for deeper collaboration, greater investment and the creation of high-value jobs and opportunities in both countries. The UAE and US are poised to set new benchmarks for secure, responsible AI and digital infrastructure, driving economic growth and shaping the future of innovation worldwide.

Read Ambassador Al Otaiba’s full statement on last month’s announcement here.

UAE Endows Distinguished Professorship in Prenatal Pediatrics at Children’s National Hospital

The UAE deepened its partnership with Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. by establishing “The People of the United Arab Emirates Distinguished Professorship in Prenatal Pediatrics.” Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba joined hospital leaders to announce Dr. Adré Jacques du Plessis – a global authority in neonatal neuroscience – as the inaugural holder. Dr. du Plessis will drive pioneering research and care for mothers and newborns facing critical health challenges. 

The new professorship builds on the UAE’s longstanding commitment to advancing pediatric medicine at Children’s National. Landmark initiatives include the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation and the Children’s National Research and Innovation Campus, both made possible through UAE support. Each year, over 100 Emirati families travel to Children’s National for advanced, life-saving treatments – underscoring the global impact of this partnership.

From the Feed