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The Middle East Institute (MEI) marked a historic milestone with its 80th Anniversary Gala on March 25, 2026, bringing together an extraordinary group of leaders, including current and former US cabinet secretaries, distinguished ambassadors, leading CEOs, and prominent figures in philanthropy from across the United States and the Middle East to reflect on eight decades of partnership, dialogue, and shared purpose.
As conflict continues to devastate the region and communities across it, the evening reflected both the gravity of the moment and the importance of continued engagement, cooperation, and connection.
“I stand before you tonight as a proud son of my nation. A nation that did not flinch, a nation that did not freeze, a nation that stayed focused on progress, even as it defended itself from attack. I am proud to be here this evening in Washington, because even in a time of conflict, the UAE does not retreat from the world; we step up, we show up, and we continue to build bridges.”
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of MEI’s Distinguished Global Leadership Award to Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC. Over more than two decades, Dr. Sultan has played a central role in shaping and driving the UAE’s approach to energy, industrial development, and climate innovation, including founding Masdar and helping position the UAE as a global hub for energy and technology.
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“Dr. Sultan, your presence here tonight reflects the solidarity and partnership between the United States and the UAE.”
In accepting the award, Dr. Sultan reflected that the honor belongs not only to him, but to the UAE’s leadership, the dedicated workforce of ADNOC, and the broader resilience of the Emirati people—underscoring a collective commitment to progress in the face of global challenges.
The event featured a conversation with Fox News Chief Political Anchor Bret Baier, in which Dr. Sultan reflected on the strength and evolution of the US-UAE relationship—one that has grown from a foundation of security cooperation into a far-reaching strategic and economic partnership spanning energy security, investment, advanced technology, and regional stability. He also addressed the current conflict and the urgent need for steady, pragmatic cooperation to navigate its consequences.
“There has never been a more important moment than tonight for all of us to gather together, because as we all know, the world is not quite as we would like it to be.”
Remarks at the Gala highlighted MEI’s longstanding role as a trusted convener and a place where leaders from across sectors and regions can come together to exchange ideas, build relationships, and imagine solutions.
Speakers included Marjorie A. Adams, 80th Anniversary Gala Chair and member of the MEI Board of Governors; Gen. (ret.) John Abizaid, former CENTCOM commander and Chair of the MEI Board of Governors; Amb. Stuart Jones, President of MEI; and Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the UAE to the United States.
Speakers emphasized that this kind of engagement is especially vital at a time of conflict, when the stakes for the region, and the world, are so significant. They underscored that the US-UAE partnership is an example of how sustained collaboration, institutional ties, and shared strategic interests can deliver stability and long-term growth.
“Weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz is not an act of aggression against one nation. It is economic terrorism against every consumer, every family that depends on affordable energy and food. No country can be allowed to destabilize the global economy in this way. Not now. Not ever.”
