The United Arab Emirates and New Jersey are strengthening their economic and cultural partnership as leaders from both sides continue to explore new opportunities for trade, investment, and innovation.
During a visit to New Jersey, UAE Consul General in New York Amna Almheiri met with senior state officials and business leaders to discuss ways to expand cooperation across several sectors. The meetings focused on strengthening commercial ties and highlighting the growing relationship between the UAE and the state of New Jersey.
The consul general met with New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way as well as senior representatives from Choose New Jersey, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and the New Jersey-Israel Commission.
During the discussions, Almheiri emphasized the importance of trade between New Jersey and the UAE. She noted that strong business relations continue to support economic growth and create opportunities for companies in both markets.
According to figures highlighted during the meetings, New Jersey exported more than $752 million worth of goods and services to the UAE in 2020. That performance made New Jersey the seventh-largest exporter to the Emirates among all U.S. states during that year.
The UAE also remains one of the United States’ most important commercial partners in the Middle East and North Africa region. Bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded $23 billion in 2021, reflecting the depth of the economic relationship.
Officials said the partnership extends across a wide range of industries. Areas of cooperation include agriculture technology, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and advanced innovation.
The UAE continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and economic development programs designed to attract international businesses. These efforts have helped position the country as a regional hub for trade and investment.
Almheiri said the relationship between New Jersey and the UAE continues to grow through stronger business links and deeper community engagement.
She noted that expanding cooperation across different sectors is helping strengthen the broader partnership between the UAE and the United States.
The meetings also highlighted the opportunities created by the Abraham Accords. Officials described the agreements as an important development that has opened new avenues for economic cooperation and regional growth.
Business leaders from both sides see increased potential for partnerships in technology, innovation, and research as companies seek access to new markets and investment opportunities.
During her visit, Almheiri also met with executives from AeroFarms, a New Jersey company known for its work in indoor vertical farming.
The company has expanded its presence in the UAE through its subsidiary, AeroFarms AgX. Construction has begun on a research center in Abu Dhabi focused on indoor farming technology, agricultural innovation, and sustainable food production.
The project reflects growing cooperation between the UAE and international companies working in advanced agriculture. Officials view such initiatives as important for supporting food security and developing new farming solutions in challenging environments.
New Jersey officials welcomed the opportunity to deepen ties with the UAE and explore additional areas of collaboration.
Secretary of State Tahesha Way described the visit as an important step in strengthening cooperation between the two partners.
She highlighted shared interests in trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and economic development. According to state officials, these common goals provide a strong foundation for future growth.
The relationship between New Jersey and the UAE extends beyond business and investment. Both sides pointed to a long history of cooperation and friendship that has developed over many years.
One example often cited is the support provided by UAE organizations following Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The storm caused widespread damage across New Jersey and affected communities throughout the state.
Working alongside local officials and charitable organizations, UAE-supported initiatives contributed to recovery efforts in several areas. Assistance included support for schools, upgrades to technology infrastructure, volunteer cleanup activities, and the construction of community soccer fields in affected neighborhoods.
Officials said these efforts helped strengthen people-to-people connections and demonstrated the value of international cooperation during difficult times.
As trade continues to expand and new investment opportunities emerge, leaders on both sides believe the partnership has significant room for growth. The latest meetings underscored a shared commitment to building stronger economic ties, encouraging innovation, and expanding cultural connections between the UAE and New Jersey for years to come.
