Celebrating ’50 Years | 50 Faces’ spotlights the enduring UAE-US friendship

Washington: The UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, concluded its two-year-long digital storytelling campaign, “50 Years | 50 Faces,” which initially aimed to commemorate the UAE’s 50th anniversary. The project, led by UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba, evolved into a captivating mosaic of personal narratives narrated by Emiratis and Americans spanning five decades, offering an intimate portrayal of the enduring UAE-US friendship.

Ambassador Al Otaiba, reflecting on the initiative, stated, “The series started with my story, as a young undergrad student finding his way at Georgetown University. We knew there would be many incredible storylines, but what we discovered, surprised and delighted us.” The campaign explored diverse perspectives, featuring individuals from various backgrounds, including artists, athletes, educators, entertainers, poets, and even presidents.

The collection encapsulates the profound history and relations between the UAE and the US, emphasizing the strength of people-to-people connections. It underscores the shared vision of both nations for a more prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive world, as depicted in the array of stories contributed by participants.

Some notable narratives include those of NASA scientist Dr. Farouk El-Baz, Emirati researcher Dr. Noora Alsaeed, Emirates Mars Mission director Omran Sharaf, and Emirati astronaut candidates Noora AlMatrooshi and Mohammad AlMulla, showcasing the evolution of the UAE’s space program and its collaboration with the US from 1974 to 2024.

Former US secretaries of state, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, secretaries of defense William Cohen, and General James Mattis reinforced the enduring diplomatic and strategic partnership between the two nations across various administrations. Additionally, the stories of former US ambassador to the UAE Marcelle Wahba and UAE Federal National Council member Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi highlighted the mutual support between Emiratis and Americans following the aftermath of 9/11.

The campaign also delved into cultural collaborations, featuring artistic directors, visual artists, composers, and poets who represented the diverse spectrum of UAE-US cultural exchanges. American entertainer Steve Harvey and UFC President Dana White shared how they were inspired by the UAE’s culture of hospitality and its inclination to take on seemingly impossible challenges.

While the “50 Years | 50 Faces” campaign has concluded, the stories are accessible on UAEUSAUnited.com, offering a lasting testament to the enduring and multifaceted friendship between the UAE and the US.

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