LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer successfully concluded a historic investment mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), showcasing Michigan’s aerospace and defense industries on a global scale, advancing job creation and economic growth, and further building international partnerships.
“Our investment mission to the UAE highlighted Michigan’s leadership in advanced manufacturing, higher education, defense, and aerospace,” said Governor Whitmer. “We will continue competing with other states and nations to bring good-paying jobs and projects home to Michigan so we can grow our economy and create more opportunities for our workers and businesses. Let’s keep building strong international relationships and show the world what Michigan is made of.”
During the visit, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan delegation engaged with industry leaders, promoting Michigan as a prime destination for investment and collaboration. The mission aimed to attract high-quality jobs and enhance Michigan’s strategic role in global defense and aerospace supply chains.
Additionally, the Governor joined over 30 heads of state and government, more than 80 international and regional organizations, and 140 government delegations at the World Government Summit. The summit brought together governments, international organizations, thought leaders, and private sector leaders from around the globe to foster international cooperation and identify innovative solutions for future challenges. During this summit, Governor Whitmer was a featured speaker and discussed Michigan’s focus on talent attraction and retention, its robust higher education ecosystem, the role Michigan plays on the global stage. Governor Whitmer also shared her own personal leadership philosophy on stage, and how she’s able to work with people from a variety of industries and parties to get things done.
“One of the things that stuck me when visiting Bahrain and especially our friends in UAE was the Emirati mantra, “Impossible Is Possible.” That boundless belief in the collective ability to redefine possibilities joins UAE and Michigan. I am grateful for the presence and active engagement of Governor Whitmer, Major General Rogers and County Executives Coulter and Evans among other leaders from across business, higher education, law and media. By strengthening our international partnerships, we are positioning Michigan businesses to compete on a global scale and creating new economic opportunities across both our great peninsulas,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “As with all missions, we have a robust list of follow-up items and are excited to continue the relationship building process alongside our Team Michigan partners. As one of America’s most international states, we’ll continue to take our ‘Make It in Michigan’ story around the globe to demonstrate that through relationships, innovation and grit, the Impossible Is Possible in Michigan.”
“As we build on the momentum from 2024 to expand global partnerships, Michigan has a unique opportunity to strengthen its economic impact and international reach. Governor Whitmer’s leadership in fostering these relationships is a testament to that commitment,” said Ahmad Chebbani, co-Founder & Chairman of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce.
“By engaging with international partners, we are showcasing the strength of Michigan’s Arab American business community and its vital role in driving economic growth,” said Bilal Hammoud, Executive Director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce & CEO of Tejara.
“I am proud to have been on the front lines of Governor Whitmer’s recent historic mission to the UAE, where we worked to strengthen Michigan’s global partnerships. This trip highlighted our state’s commitment to fostering innovation and creating new economic opportunities,” said Miller Johnson Managing Member Fadwa Hammoud. “By engaging with international leaders and businesses, we started the process of building lasting collaboration that will drive prosperity and ensure Michigan remains a leader in the global economy.”
In addition to business engagements, Governor Whitmer visited Michigan servicemembers stationed in Bahrain. Governor Whitmer also hosted a roundtable discussion focused on empowering young leaders and examining the pivotal influence of educational systems in nurturing young leaders, as well as the integration of technology and innovation.
While in the UAE, Governor Whitmer joined the MEDC, the University of Michigan, and His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of the Emirate of Ras Al Khamia to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate job creation through knowledge and talent exchange.
The economic development mission was supported by the MEDC and the Michigan Economic Development Foundation, an independent not-for-profit organization that serves to help promote and fund economic development efforts in Michigan that create private investments and increase jobs and wages.
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