Dubai Electricity and Water Authority Visit to the U.S. Highlights Commercial Infrastructure Opportunities for U.S. Businesses

posted on: Aug 18, 2014

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), in partnership with the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce (NUSACC) and the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, participated in a Road Show to New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, and Austin, and met with close to 300 business leaders and executives. The weeklong visit, supported by the U.S. Commercial Service and local industry partners in each city, featured presentations by senior DEWA officials Mr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Senior Manager for External Corporate Communication, and Mrs. Nourma Al Masri, Manager for Administrative Services.

“This visit to key markets across the United States was designed with our strategic partners to enhance DEWA’s already strong engagement with American industry and policy leaders,” said Al Marzouqi. “Opportunities for international trade and commercial partnerships in the infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors – among others – will only increase with the recent awarding of World Expo 2020 to Dubai and the U.A.E.’s established economic development goals for the next few decades.”

“Our goal for this visit to the U.S. is to present DEWA as a viable partner for international firms looking to work in the U.A.E. and the broader MENA region,” said Al Masri. “DEWA is a conduit for energy and water technological innovation, and it actively surveys potential commercial partnerships with American industry.”

David Hamod, President & CEO of the National U.S-Arab Chamber of Commerce, remarked, “We are honored to welcome DEWA back to the United States and to connect them with business leaders across the country.” He concluded, “This visit provided American business leaders with a glimpse into the many commercial and investment opportunities for international partnership as DEWA works to deliver sustainable energy solutions supported by cutting-edge technology.”

“DEWA is a shining example of Dubai and the U.A.E.’s ability to match vision with commitment to meeting sustainable economic development goals put forth by the country’s leadership,” said Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.- U.A.E. Business Council. “This Road Show is an important opportunity to share best practices and information about the global energy, utility, and infrastructure markets.”

The visiting DEWA delegation began its U.S. tour in New York City at the New York Institute of Technology and was welcomed by the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council’s President, Danny Sebright, and Amin Salam, Vice President of Business Development for NUSACC. The event was widely attended by members of broader New York metropolitan area and international stakeholders, and provided a unique opportunity for engagement between DEWA officials and local business leaders. The discussion, highlighted by a formal presentation from DEWA’s Al Marzouqi and Al Masri, was supported by the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce, the New York the World Trade Center of Northern New Jersey. Following the formal program and Q&A, DEWA officials met and held meetings with U.S. industry counterparts to discuss commercial opportunities in Dubai and the U.A.E.

“DEWA’s projects are the backbone of Dubai’s Infrastructure, as energy and water are the sources of life for communities and nations around the World, noted Salam. “DEWA is looking for world- class partners to provide the best quality and the most advanced technology solutions for their sustainable development efforts. NUSACC, in partnership with the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, was delighted to arrange a morning networking business session, and to introduce and connect DEWA Executives with over 65 New York area companies in the fields of energy and water.”

Mark Jaffe, President and CEO of the New York Chamber of Commerce, expressed his appreciation for DEWA’s visit to New York and noted, “These international trade events allow our membership the opportunity to be involved with important infrastructure development projects that help bridge the gap between cultures while building economic security for the Chamber and its partners.”

National US-Arab Chamber of Commerce