The trip was anchored by a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and centered around expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors critical to Florida’s economic future.
Why the UAE?
The UAE is one of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs—home to cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence, health tech, sustainable infrastructure, and logistics. With Florida’s 2030 Blueprint goals focused on becoming:
- Top 10 global economy
- Top 3 state for tech jobs
- #1 for business startups
…this mission marked a pivotal moment in aligning global opportunities with Florida’s long-term economic vision.
Delegation Overview
Led by Katie Yeutter, COO and CFO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce; Keith Koenig, Chair of the Florida Chamber Board of Directors; and Matt Higgins, Co-Founder of RSE Ventures, the delegation included an influential cohort of Florida-based:
- CEOs and Founders
- Innovation leaders
- Exporters and global market strategists
- Investors and private equity professionals
Download full delegate bios (PDF)
Key Milestone: MOU Signing
During the AIM Congress in Abu Dhabi, a formal MOU was signed with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce to strengthen economic collaboration between Florida and the UAE.
- Signed by: Katie Yeutter, COO and CFO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce
- Focus Areas: Trade promotion, innovation exchange, and investment facilitation
- Hosted By: His Excellency Abdulla Mohamed Al Mazrui, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Chamber
Explore the full journey—view photos from MOU ceremony and key business meetings:
Official Visits & Engagements
During the weeklong mission, the Florida CEO Delegation engaged in a curated series of high-level meetings, private briefings, and site visits with leading public and private sector entities across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Delegates explored opportunities in:
- Innovation and emerging technology
- Sustainable infrastructure and advanced manufacturing
- Artificial intelligence and health tech
- Global logistics and trade expansion
The itinerary included:
- Strategic briefings with government innovation offices and investment agencies
- Private sector roundtables with global tech pioneers, logistics leaders, and startup incubators
- Site tours of smart city developments, AI-driven healthcare hubs, and future-forward ecosystems
- Exclusive cultural and networking experiences, including a private dinner with international business leaders and visits to iconic landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Burj Khalifa
These engagements were designed to accelerate global market access, foster bilateral partnerships, and inspire cross-border collaboration aligned with the Florida 2030 Blueprint.
Global International Partnership Council
As a direct outcome of the trip, the Florida Chamber created the Global International Partnership Council, aimed at:
- Sustaining long-term relationships with international partners
- Facilitating trade and innovation collaboration
- Providing exclusive access to international market opportunities for Florida-based businesses, entrepreneurs, innovators, and economic development leaders.
Want to get involved in future international delegations and global initiatives?
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“This agreement represents a significant step in positioning Florida as a global hub for trade and innovation,” said Katie Yeutter, COO and CFO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. “It reflects the leadership and unity of Florida’s business community, and our commitment to the Florida 2030 Blueprint—which outlines our goal of becoming a top 10 global economy.”
“The global economy doesn’t wait—and neither should Florida,” said Keith Koenig, Chair of the Florida Chamber Board of Directors. “We’re here to build lasting relationships that support growth, innovation, and opportunity for Florida’s future.”