Emirates' Dallas link to boost UAE-US ties

Yousuf Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US, on Wednesday said the new Emirates service from Dubai International Airport to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which began on Thursday, will enhance trade and diplomatic relations between the UAE and the US. "We are in Dallas/Fort Worth to celebrate more than the launch of the new Emirates flight. In many ways, we are here to mark the opening of a bridge that will enhance trade and diplomacy between our countries and broaden cultural understanding between our communities," Al Otaiba said in a speech at the US-UAE Business Council. Al Otaiba highlighted the economic impact the new Emirates flight will have on the Dallas/Fort Worth community. According to the envoy, the non-stop flight is expected to generate more than $200 million (Dh735 million) in local economic activity and will connect Texas, a top exporting state to the UAE (almost $2 billion last year) directly to the country. Article continues below Betsy Price, mayor of Fort Worth, and Mike Rawlings, mayor of Dallas, attended the luncheon and welcomed Al Otaiba. Jim Falk, president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth, and Danny Sebright, president of the US-UAE Business Council, welcomed the audience to Dallas/Fort Worth and introduced senior government officials and executives. Falk highlighted the strong commercial ties that Dallas/Fort Worth has with the UAE and the community's interest in strengthening its international relationships.