AmCham Abu Dhabi hosts IDEX 2019 Kick-Off Breakfast

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. - AmCham Abu Dhabi held a high-level kick-off breakfast on Sunday, February 17, 2019 at Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, just before the opening of the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2019. The highlight of the industry-focused event were compelling keynote addresses by The Honorable Steven C. Bondy, Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi, Badr Al Olama, Head of Aerospace and Defense, Mubadala Investment Company and Lt. General Charles Hooper, Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, U.S. Department of Defense.

For over 20 years, the AmCham Abu Dhabi IDEX Kick-Off Breakfast has been held on the first day of IDEX to facilitate networking and collaboration between locally based companies in the sector and visiting U.S. aerospace and defense industry executives. Over 150 guests attended, including AmCham Members, senior U.S. and U.A.E. military officers, government officials, and leading defense leaders from DTSA, NAVCENT, ARCENT, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Commerce.

The kick-off event was opened by AmCham Abu Dhabi Chairman, Mr. Sharief Fahmy, who warmly greeted the attendees, the keynote speakers, all the VIP’s and sponsors and thanked everybody in the room for their continuous support: “We’re very fortunate to have you all with us today, a very special thank you to our supporting partner AmCham Dubai under the leadership of Cara Nazari. Thank you AUSA team and Kallman Worldwide team for the amazing Pavilion U.S.A. at IDEX 2019. Finally, thank you to all the current serving AmCham Abu Dhabi Board of Directors and the Executive Staff under the leadership of Lisbeth Beneski.”

The Honorable Charge d’Affaires, Steven C. Bondy during his welcome speech, praised the U.A.E. as a strong U.S. partner in the region and showcased the strength of the U.S. defense and security system, along with the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries in addressing the ever-growing regional threats: “The United Arab Emirates has been a strong U.S. partner and ally in Gulf security for decades. We are proud to partner with one of the most capable and professional militaries in the region. There is no doubt the U.A.E. punches above its weight. The success of defense and security cooperation between the U.S. and U.A.E. is, of course, reliant on a robust U.S. defense and security industry.”

During his keynote address, Badr Al Olama, Head of Aerospace and Defense, Mubadala Investment Company showcased the importance of maintaining peace through a new concept he named “The Peace Industrial Complex”, which consists of three fundamental pillars; Safety, Security and Stability of societies. He also stressed the importance of collaboration between the defense sectors globally to eliminate threats and ensure that peace prevails globally: “We have to work together for creating a new peace industry, where we can focus on ensuring that Safety, Security and Stability of societies all around the world can be maintained through companies like Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin and Boeing. I believe that U.A.E. companies such as Mubadala, EDIC and Tawazun can be an extension or a transformative change agent for the peace industry.”

Lt. General Charles Hooper, Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency U.S. Department of Defense expressed his satisfaction with the strong presence of U.S. aerospace and defense firms at IDEX 2019 and discussed the growing U.S.-U.A.E. partnership and how critical that partnership is to a more secure and stable region: "The U.S. is committed to a cooperative and strategic partnership with U.A.E., our allies and partners in the Middle East. Promoting strong defense relationships throughout the region is a top priority for the U.S. government and the Department of Defense.”This event was possible thanks to the generosity of sponsors Harris Corporation, GES (Global Experience Specialists), Northrop Grumman, Bell, Boeing International Corporation and our supporting partner - AmCham Dubai.

-Ends-

For press inquiries contact: 

Fatima El Hussein, Communications Coordinator, AmCham Abu Dhabi,

T: +971 2 631 3604, E: communications@amchamabudhabi.org 


About the Event Organizer:

AmCham Abu Dhabi: 

AmCham Abu Dhabi (the trademark of the American Business Group of Abu Dhabi) is a member of the global network of American Chambers of Commerce. Active since 1986, AmCham Abu Dhabi’s Mission is to promote commerce, investment, and goodwill between its membership, the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates. Our vision is to be an innovative organization creating trusted commercial partnerships that broaden U.S. - U.A.E. relationships. AmCham Abu Dhabi is an independent, not-for-profit association comprised of Fortune 500 corporations, small and medium sized companies and prominent business leaders and entrepreneurs. AmCham Abu Dhabi provides a uniquely situated platform through which executives pursue and discuss issues impacting business operations between the U.S. and U.A.E. Substantive government advocacy programs, educational and networking programs and customized business service are just a few of the many benefits AmCham Abu Dhabi provides its members. Through the support of its members, AmCham Abu Dhabi has become the recognized voice of U.S. business in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.

For more information, visit: www.AmChamAbuDhabi.org 

© Press Release 2019