Posted By: Scott Fetters
Leaders from Illinois and the United Arab Emirates’ Trade and Investment Office (UAE) convened at the Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare this week for a panel titled “From Incubation to Global Expansion: Building an Illinois–Abu Dhabi Corridor.” The event marked another milestone in the UAE Embassy’s engagement with, signaling a major step forward in strengthening bilateral ties in innovation, investment, and economic development. The visit builds on momentum from the Illinois Association for Global Trade’s (IAGT) January trade mission to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Karim Gamal, Executive Director of the Trade and Investment Office, UAE Embassy in DC, emphasized the importance of deepening U.S.–UAE collaboration through sustained engagement and shared economic goals. “The strength of U.S.–UAE relations lies in our commitment to long-term partnership—one that drives meaningful collaboration, supports innovation, and continues to expand opportunities between our two economies. We have created multiple funds to invest in AI related industries, AI infrastructure, and energy, he said.” He added that the UAE has already invested approximately $1 trillion in the United States and is now committed to investing an additional $1.4 trillion over the next decade. This long-term investment framework targets strategic sectors such as AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, and advanced technology, underscoring the UAE’s deepening economic partnership with the U.S. and its confidence in the strength of the American economy.
The event was hosted by IAGT, Sam Yanover of Y Group, and UAE Preferred, with support and sponsorship from the Illinois Smart City and Region Association (ISCRA), Village of Rosemont, Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare, Arbor Lodging, Audio Visual Productions (AVP) and Nexatech Global Services.
Other participants included State Representative Anna Moeller (IL-43), Joe Gallo (former Mayor of Rolling Meadows and Executive Director of the Illinois Smart City and Region Association), Scott Fetters (Executive Director of 2112, a leading Chicago-based incubator for music, film/video and creative industry-focused technologies), Isra Omar (Senior Assistant Director at the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation), Arabel Alva Rosales (CEO at AAR Tech), and Peter Abou Hachem (Head of Growth and Strategy at Hub71, UAE Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem).
Illinois State Representative Anna Moeller opened the discussion by reflecting on the IAGT’s trade mission to the UAE, emphasizing the alignment between Illinois’ strengths and the UAE’s strategic priorities. “In January we attended the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Conference, where leaders from around the world were tackling the urgent challenges of climate and energy, and in our conversations with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, we saw a deep commitment to innovation, investment and collaboration.” She emphasized the opportunity for Illinois businesses to expand into international markets, pursue joint investments in sustainable infrastructure, and strengthen economic ties that benefit both regions.
Karim Gamal, Executive Director of the UAE Trade and Investment Office, underscored the UAE’s long-standing commitment to fostering innovation and building global partnerships. He highlighted the role of Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, which supports more than 400 startups and facilitates international collaboration. Mr. Gamal pointed to key sectors including advanced technology, energy, and artificial intelligence as areas of mutual opportunity, and described Abu Dhabi as “the capital of capital,” reflecting its financial strength and global investment capacity.
Isra Omar of the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center outlined the institution’s efforts to translate academic research into real-world impact through entrepreneurship and small business development. She highlighted programs that connect students and faculty with industry partners, creating a pipeline of talent and innovation that can support both Illinois and UAE ecosystems. She also noted the success of Polsky-affiliated ventures, including two companies that have achieved public market status.
Scott Fetters of 2112 spoke to Chicago’s unique innovation landscape, where technology and creative industries intersect. He described how 2112’s incubator model supports startups across music, media, and technology, and noted its potential as a framework for cross-regional collaboration with Abu Dhabi, expanding global reach and industry integration.
Throughout the panel, speakers emphasized the value of knowledge exchange, joint ventures, and sustained engagement in strengthening innovation ecosystems in both Illinois and the UAE. Discussions focused on how each region can learn from and complement the other’s approaches to economic and technological development.
Following the panel, the UAE delegation and co-hosts met with Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Michael McMurray, who outlined the City’s vision for enhancing passenger experience and operational excellence at O’Hare and Midway International Airports. Mr. Gamal highlighted the UAE’s advanced logistics infrastructure and explored opportunities for collaboration to support O’Hare’s continued growth in logistics and technology. Both Etihad
Airways and Emirates Airline designate O’Hare as a priority destination, operating direct flights between the UAE and the United States and reinforcing the airport’s role as a critical international gateway.
The delegation also participated in a working lunch hosted by the Illinois Association for Global Trade and Sam Yanover of Y Group. Attendees included Illinois State Representative Justin Slaughter (IL-27), Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, Samreen Khan (District U-46 School Board Member), and other regional stakeholders. Discussions focused on advancing investment opportunities, strengthening partnerships, and identifying next steps to deepen Illinois–UAE engagement.
The program concluded with a forward-looking dialogue centered on priority sectors such as climate technology, healthcare, advanced technology, and innovation-driven industries. The visit reflects a shared commitment between Illinois and the UAE to expand economic cooperation and establish a long-term corridor for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.
