Press releases
President Bush in Dubai
On January 14th 2008, Consulate General Dubai and the Emirate of Dubai warmly welcomed President George W. Bush for a historic first visit to the emirate by a sitting American president. The President was accompanied by Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten, National Security Advisory Stephen Hadley, and US Ambassador to the UAE Michele Sison.
The President was greeted at the at the Dubai Air Wing by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, and a number of Ministers and officials. The President's program included visits to cultural sites reflecting both traditional and modern day Dubai, and meetings with a range of younger Emirati and other professionals focused on the development of the region and the role of the United States.
The President was accompanied throughout his stay in Dubai by HH Sh. Mohammed bin Rashid. The President's visit began with a stop at the historic Sheikh Saeed al Maktoum House, built in 1896 and now a living museum showcasing, among other things, photographs depicting the history of Dubai and the al Maktoum family. The President and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid toured the house, and were treated to several forms of traditional dance and music, and falconry.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid then hosted the President for lunch at the Sheikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding in the restored Bastakiya heritage neighborhood. The Centre, housed in a 100 year old traditional courtyard home, focuses on promoting cultural awareness and understanding between Emiratis and Dubai's diverse expatriate and visitor population. At the Centre, Sheikh Mohammed and the President engaged in a forthright discussion with recent graduates of the Dubai School of Government’s Executive program on the need for good governance in the region as a cornerstone for development and prosperity.
Concluding his visit to Dubai, President Bush and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stopped at the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, where they met with a dynamic group from the Young Arab Leaders organization. The frank discussion ranged widely, talking about economics, regional peace and security, cultural and educational issues, and the importance of working to develop and inspire the next generation of leaders from across the Arab world.
The President also met with the staff of the Consulate General, thanking them for their work supporting US interests and his visit.