AmCham Abu Dhabi Celebrates American Independence Day

AmCham Abu Dhabi celebrated the 241st anniversary of the United States of America's Declaration of Independence at its annual '4th of July' Celebration on Friday, July 7, 2017. As the celebration was held on 7-7-17 and started at 7 pm, the lucky numbers inspired AmCham Abu Dhabi to celebrate Las Vegas and the state of Nevada. Hundreds of business leaders, U.A.E. and U.S. government officials, military officers, AmCham Abu Dhabi members, and the greater American community attended the celebration at InterContinental Abu Dhabi. The event included an official ceremony, posting of the colors and flag by the U.S. Marines, a cake cutting, dinner, games and dancing.

Guests of honor, U.A.E. Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan and U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi Charge d'affaires Ethan Goldrich, spoke about shared values and the importance of the U.S. - U.A.E. relationship.

In his remarks, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan said, “I am deeply honored to be celebrating with you tonight. We in the United Arab Emirates have always admired your principles and your success. Our country is fortunate in being able to call the United States of America a friend.  Our political, commercial, and educational linkages are deeply rooted in confidence and trust and provide a strong and stable foundation for our friendly relations, now and in the future.” He added “The U.A.E. and every other nation that has studied the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the history of the United States recognize the necessary connection between freedom and happiness. The friendship between the U.S. and the U.A.E. will surely endure as we each in our own way reinforce the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

Ethan Goldrich Charge d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy said “On the 241st birthday of the Anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, we should remember that many of the American founders were businessmen and merchants. We take pride in the role U.S. industry has played in creating strong democratic and economic institutions that have endured for more than two centuries. Time and again, American companies have moved the world forward with their visionary ideas and technological advances.” He noted “I have been especially privileged to serve here with a dynamic and active American citizen community to shape the diplomatic and commercial relationship between the U.S. and U.A.E. – a relationshhip that generates $26 billion in two-way trade and supports tens of thousands of jobs in both countries. I thank AmCham Abu Dhabi for what you do to promote America and American business.

During his welcome remarks, Sharief M. Fahmy, Chairman of AmCham Abu Dhabi, recognized both active and retired U.S. Military in the audience and thanked them for their service. He commented, "As we celebrate the 4th of July and American Independence we applaud the contributions of American patriots at home and abroad. We are proud to share our culture and heritage tonight with distinguished guests from the U.A.E." He also thanked AmCham Abu Dhabi Executive Director Theresa F. Weber for her leadership and Board Member Elias Sayah for his contributions as Chairman of the Programs Committee.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Abu Dhabi's leading companies, including the event's Gold Sponsor, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, guests at the celebration were treated to an exciting and fun-filled evening. They enjoyed classic American food and a variety of activities including patriotic themed trivia, golf, archery and traditional all-American 4th of July games. In true American Independence Day spirit, the event featured the posting of the colors and flag by the U.S. Embassy Marine Color Guard. The event ended with firework displays from across the U.S.A. and a balloon drop with guests dancing the night away. 

Top corporate sponsors of the event included: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin Global Inc., Bell Helicopter, Occidental Petroleum, and Oshkosh Defense. 
 

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