Yousef Al Otaiba

Otaiba was born on 19 January 1974 in Abu Dhabi. His father was the UAE's first Minister of Petroleum, Mana Saeed Al Otaiba, one of the country's key non-royal founding members as well as a close confidant to the late UAE founder and President Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918–2004). His father had at least 12 children with 4 wives, including Otaiba's Egyptian mother. Otaiba was raised in Cairo by his mother, from whom he is the only child. He went to Cairo American College, a pre-K–12 international American school, and, while there, introduced himself to Frank G. Wisner, then the US ambassador to Egypt.{{Cite web|url=http://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/his-town/|title=The Most Charming Man In Washington|first=Ryan Grim and Akbar Shahid|last=Ahmed|website=The Huffington Post|access-date=2016-03-01|archive-date=2016-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410035522/http://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/his-town/|url-status=live}}

After completing high school in 1991, Al Otaiba studied international relations at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. Up until December 2020, the UAE embassy in Washington claimed that Otaiba obtained a degree in international relations from Georgetown University.{{Cite web|url=https://www.uae-embassy.org/services-resources/uae-embassy-consulates/ambassador-yousef-al-otaiba |title=Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba |work=UAE Embassy |location=Washington, DC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704193524/https://www.uae-embassy.org/services-resources/uae-embassy-consulates/ambassador-yousef-al-otaiba |archive-date=4 July 2020 |url-status=dead}} However, in 2017, The Intercept reported a claim from Georgetown University's office of the registrar that he never in fact graduated.Ryan Grim: [https://theintercept.com/2017/08/30/uae-ambassador-yousef-al-otaiba-double-life-prostitutes-sex-work Diplomatic Underground: The Sordid Double Life of Washington's Most Powerful Ambassador], The Intercept, 30 August 2017After Jan, 2021, the UAE embassy just notes that Al Otaiba [https://web.archive.org/web/20210116023626/https://www.uae-embassy.org/services-resources/uae-embassy-consulates/ambassador-yousef-al-otaiba "studied international relations from Georgetown University in Washington, DC"]

After attending Georgetown, Otaiba spent the next three years working for the automotive division of his family's firm, the Al Otaiba Group. His father's firm lost the General Motors/Cadillac agency in Abu Dhabi after a bitter 11-year dispute over non-performance.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} Otaiba was then selected to attend the International Fellow at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF) at the National Defense University in Washington, in preparation for an assignment to join the immediate staff of then UAE Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a position he assumed upon graduating from ICAF in 2000.{{cite web|url=http://cpl.hks.harvard.edu/people/yousef-al-otaiba|title=Yousef Al Otaiba|publisher=Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School|access-date=2015-08-06|archive-date=2015-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022165319/http://cpl.hks.harvard.edu/people/yousef-al-otaiba|url-status=live}} The former CENTCOM Commander, General Anthony Zinni was another of Otaiba's mentors.

Otaiba and his wife, Abeer, founder of a luxury fashion company, have one son, Omar, and one daughter, Samia.{{Cite news|url=https://www.harpersbazaararabia.com/best-dressed/the-women/abeer-al-otaiba|title=Abeer Al Otaiba|newspaper=Harper\'S Bazaar Arabia|date=20 December 2015|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205201848/https://www.harpersbazaararabia.com/best-dressed/the-women/abeer-al-otaiba|url-status=live}}

File:Yousef Al Otaiba 2013.jpg

At age 26, Otaiba became senior adviser to Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and, until his new posting, as director of international affairs for the court of the crown prince, he also served as the country's principal security, anti-terrorism and defence liaison with other governments. Bin Zayed was deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, so in effect Otaiba worked for the UAE's defense minister for eight years.{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/americas/bush-welcomes-new-ambassador-to-us|title=Bush welcomes new Ambassador to US|date=July 30, 2008|work=The National|access-date=June 3, 2017|last=Naylor|first=Hugh|archive-date=October 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015072541/http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/americas/bush-welcomes-new-ambassador-to-us|url-status=live}}

In 2006 and 2007 Otaiba's role was described by Kristofer Harrison, a Defense and State Department advisor during the George W. Bush administration who worked closely with Otaiba, as "crucial helping to talk other countries in the region into backing President George W. Bush's troop surge in the Iraq War" - a role that was confirmed by Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr. Otaiba's most significant contribution was "persuading other Gulfies to support the political components of the surge (e.g. the Anbar Awakening), and helping 'translate' the general strategy into something they would support".

On 22 June 2008 Otaiba was elevated to UAE ambassador to the United States.{{cite web|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/new-envoy-to-us-yousuf-manei-al-otaiba-sworn-in-1.113113|title=New Envoy to US Yousuf Manei Al Otaiba sworn in|work=Gulf News|date=June 22, 2008|access-date=June 3, 2017|archive-date=September 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907213632/http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/new-envoy-to-us-yousuf-manei-al-otaiba-sworn-in-1.113113|url-status=live}} He succeeded Saqr Ghobash, who had served as ambassador since March 2006. Upon his arriving in the capital, Otaiba hired Amy Little-Thomas, a former State Department staffer in the Bush administration, who became the UAE embassy's chief of protocol and created the nonprofit Oasis Foundation, his private foundation in connection with his work as ambassador "to advance positive relations between the UAE, a significant American ally (particularly in the Middle East), and the United States.” In 2016, a court ordered one of Oasis Foundation's board members to pay restitution for funds taken from the charity for personal expenditures - funds originally deposited and subsequently replenished by Otaiba.{{cite news |title=Former Executive Director of Charity |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/former-executive-director-charity-sentenced-21-months-prison-stealing-over-1-million#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%93%20Byron%20Fogan%2C%2043%2C,announced%20U.S.%20Attorney%20Channing%20D |access-date=28 October 2020 |agency=United States Department of Justice |publisher=The United States Attorney's Office |date=February 22, 2016}} Otaiba worked closely with Howard Berman, then the Democratic chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, on an agreement that would allow the UAE to obtain nuclear materials from the US for a civilian program.

In July 2010, remarks made by Otaiba were interpreted as supporting a United States military strike on nuclear reactors in Iran.{{cite news|last=Black|first=Ian|title=UAE ambassador backs strike on Iran's nuclear sites|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/07/uae-envoy-iran-nuclear-sites|access-date=7 July 2010|date=7 July 2010|location=London|work=The Guardian}} Otaiba's remarks were reported to have been the standard position of many Arab states.{{cite news|last=Goldberg|first=Jeffrey|title=Why the UAE's Position on Iran Is Not Particularly New|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2010/07/why-the-uaes-position-on-iran-is-not-particularly-new/59261/|access-date=7 July 2010|date=6 July 2010|archive-date=10 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710124833/http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2010/07/why-the-uaes-position-on-iran-is-not-particularly-new/59261|url-status=live}}

From 2015 onwards Otaiba was a leading voice in Washington for the War in Yemen, where the UAE operated torture warehouses{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/4925f7f0fa654853bd6f2f57174179fe|title=In Yemen's secret prisons, UAE tortures and US interrogates|website=Associated Press|date=13 August 2021|access-date=7 September 2017|archive-date=3 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903164725/https://apnews.com/4925f7f0fa654853bd6f2f57174179fe|url-status=live}} and funded death squads.{{Cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/07/yemen-civil-war-militias-target-activists-aden.html|title=In Aden, Yemeni activists still live in fear|date=July 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708152220/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/07/yemen-civil-war-militias-target-activists-aden.html |archive-date=8 July 2017 }} The conflict has left more than 10,000 dead, millions starving (Famine in Yemen) and a cholera epidemic of historic proportions. Otaiba yelled at Representative Ro Khanna over his efforts to end US involvement in the Yemeni Civil War.{{Cite web|last=Grim|first=Ryan|date=12 February 2021|title=Gulf Ambassador Yelled at Member of Congress Pushing to End Yemen War|url=https://theintercept.com/2021/02/12/ro-khanna-yemen-uae-ambassador/|access-date=2021-02-13|website=The Intercept|language=en}}

In the run-up to President Trump's Riyadh Summit with Islamic leaders on 20–21 May 2017 strong bonds reportedly formed between Otaiba and President Trump's advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and minister of defense Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2017/06/29/jared-kushner-inner-circle-confidants-240116|title=Inside Jared Kushner's circle of trust|first=Annie|last=Karni|website=POLITICO|date=29 June 2017 |access-date=2020-02-05|archive-date=2019-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225200149/https://www.politico.com/story/2017/06/29/jared-kushner-inner-circle-confidants-240116|url-status=live}} Otaiba and Kushner first met June 2017 at the behest of Thomas Barrack, a billionaire investor and Trump backer.

Otaiba is generally seen as being a successful ambassador for the UAE, as the country asserts itself more aggressively in the sphere of foreign policy.{{cite news|last1=Overdahl|first1=Stian|title=The UAE's Man in Washington|url=https://magazine.zenith.me/en/politics/ambassador-charm|access-date=22 December 2017|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222224810/https://magazine.zenith.me/en/politics/ambassador-charm|url-status=live}} In November 2017 it was announced that he had been promoted to the rank of Minister, while remaining the ambassador to the United States.{{cite web|title=Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba promoted to Minister|url=http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302644005|website=WAM|date=11 April 2017|access-date=22 December 2017|archive-date=23 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223042610/http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302644005|url-status=live}}

File:Yousef Al Otaiba and Lloyd J. Austin III meet in 2022 (51848516093).jpg in 2022]]

On 12 June 2020, Otaiba authored an op-ed in an effort to halt Israel's planned annexation of West Bank territory.{{cite news |last1=Al Otaiba |first1=Yousef |title=Annexation will be a serious setback for better relations with the Arab world |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/H1Gu1ceTL |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=ynetnews |publisher=YNetNews |date=12 June 2020 |language=en |archive-date=20 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020141444/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/H1Gu1ceTL |url-status=live }} Otaiba's op-ed was addressed to the Israeli public and published on the front page of the Yedioth Ahronoth.{{cite news |last1=Ahren |first1=Raphael |title=In first-ever op-ed for Israeli paper, UAE diplomat warns against annexation |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-ever-op-ed-for-israeli-paper-uae-diplomat-warns-against-annexation/ |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=www.timesofisrael.com |publisher=Times of Israel |date=June 12, 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020140715/https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-ever-op-ed-for-israeli-paper-uae-diplomat-warns-against-annexation/ |url-status=live }} It was the first ever written by a Gulf diplomat and published in an Israeli newspaper. Prior to publication, Otaiba solicited the advice of Israeli-American Businessman, Haim Saban, on when and where to place the op-ed and was advised that the op-ed ought to be translated to Hebrew.{{cite news |last1=Zieve Cohen |first1=Sam |title=UAE's Al Otaiba goes behind the scenes of the Abraham Accords |url=https://jewishinsider.com/2020/09/uae-ambassador-al-otaiba-details-the-behind-the-scenes-on-the-uae-deal/ |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=Jewish Insider |publisher=The Jewish Insider |date=30 September 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020140842/https://jewishinsider.com/2020/09/uae-ambassador-al-otaiba-details-the-behind-the-scenes-on-the-uae-deal/ |url-status=live }} In the op-ed, Otaiba expressed enthusiasm for stronger ties between Israel and UAE, touting the benefits of accelerated economic growth and stability throughout the Middle East in addition to security but said that Israeli plans for annexation and talk of normalization were a contradiction. He elaborated that annexation and seizure of Palestinian land would defy the “international consensus on the Palestinian right to self-determination”, warning that such a plan would “ignite violence and rouse extremists”. On 2 July 2020, Otaiba met with Avi Berkowitz to further discuss a plan to prevent annexation.

Along with a mutual interest in creating a unified front against the opposing forces of Iran, the concerns detailed in Otaiba's op-ed and planning with Berkowitz helped bring vested parties to the negotiating table to identify a better solution, ultimately resulting in a normalization agreement reached in August 2020{{cite news |last1=Federico-O'Murchú |first1=Seán |title=Read: Full US-Israel-UAE statement on normalizing relations |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/13/middleeast/mideast-trump-full-statement-uae-israel-intl/index.html |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=CNN |publisher=CNN |date=August 13, 2020 |archive-date=15 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115060226/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/08/13/middleeast/mideast-trump-full-statement-uae-israel-intl/index.html |url-status=live }} and officially committed to in September 2020 with the signing of the Abraham Accords on the South Lawn of the White House.{{cite news |last1=PTI |title=Israel, UAE and Bahrain sign Abraham Accord; Trump says "dawn of new Middle East" |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-uae-and-bahrain-sign-abraham-accord-trump-says-dawn-of-new-middle-east/article32616867.ece |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=16 September 2020 |language=en-IN |archive-date=19 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919233123/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/israel-uae-and-bahrain-sign-abraham-accord-trump-says-dawn-of-new-middle-east/article32616867.ece |url-status=live }} The deal was brokered by the United States.{{cite news |last1=Bariyo |first1=Felicia Schwartz and Nicholas |title=Israel, Sudan Agree to Normalize Ties in U.S.-Brokered Deal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-sudan-agree-to-normalize-ties-in-u-s-brokered-deal-11603469178 |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=Wall Street Journal |publisher=Wall Street Journal |date=23 October 2020 |archive-date=23 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023212501/https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-sudan-agree-to-normalize-ties-in-u-s-brokered-deal-11603469178 |url-status=live }} Both Saban and Al Otaiba credited U.S. leadership for helping to manage the negotiation process and deliver on the agreements. “I think the United States government came through every single time,” Al Otaiba said. “And that's the reason we had the signing ceremony two weeks ago at the White House.” Otaiba also recognized Berkowitz, Jared Kushner and Brig. Gen. Miguel Correa for their efforts, whereas Correa became involved after playing a part in a 2017 U.S. coordinated rescue operation in Yemen that brought UAE soldiers and a member of the royal family to safety after their helicopter crashed.{{cite news |last1=Nissenbaum |first1=Dion |title=A Secret U.S. Rescue in Yemen Played a Role in Mideast Peace Deal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-secret-u-s-rescue-in-yemen-played-a-role-in-mideast-peace-deal-11603099801 |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=Wall Street Journal |publisher=Wall Street Journal |date=19 October 2020 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026131253/https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-secret-u-s-rescue-in-yemen-played-a-role-in-mideast-peace-deal-11603099801 |url-status=live }} Otaiba said he spoke to them more than anyone else in the weeks leading up to the agreement and if it wasn't for them the deal probably wouldn't have been done - noting the amount of trust required. The 2020 deal marked the first time anyone had normalized ties with Israel since Jordan in 1994, opening the doors for others to follow suit.{{cite news |last1=Suliman |first1=Adela |title=Sudan formally recognizes Israel in U.S.-brokered deal |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/sudan-formally-recognizes-israel-u-s-brokered-deal-n1240839 |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=NBC News |date=October 23, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=15 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215182858/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/sudan-formally-recognizes-israel-u-s-brokered-deal-n1240839 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Schwartz |first1=Felicia |title=Sudan in Talks to Formalize Ties With Israel |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/sudan-in-talks-to-formalize-ties-with-israel-11597782488 |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=Wall Street Journal |publisher=Wall Street Journal |date=18 August 2020 |archive-date=15 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215182850/https://www.wsj.com/articles/sudan-in-talks-to-formalize-ties-with-israel-11597782488 |url-status=live }} In August 2020, Otaiba issued a statement extolling the Israel–United Arab Emirates peace agreement as "a win for diplomacy and for the region",{{cite news|title=Israel and UAE strike historic deal to normalise relations|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53770859|date=13 August 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=11 September 2020|archive-date=13 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813152232/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-53770859|url-status=live}} adding how it "lowers tensions and creates new energy for positive change".{{Cite press release |title=Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba Statement Regarding Announcement Between Israel and United Arab Emirates |url=https://www.uae-embassy.org/news-media/ambassador-yousef-al-otaiba-statement-regarding-announcement-between-israel-and-united |publisher=Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Washington, D.C. |access-date=2020-09-11 |archive-date=2020-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813171544/https://www.uae-embassy.org/news-media/ambassador-yousef-al-otaiba-statement-regarding-announcement-between-israel-and-united |url-status=live }}

In July 2024, the United States House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party accused Al Otaiba of "personally intervening" to prevent it from meeting with representatives from G42 regarding U.S. national security concerns about the company's ties to China.{{Cite news |last=Sakellariadis |first=John |date=August 1, 2024 |title=Microsoft scales back AI partnership with Emirati firm amid concerns over China ties |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/01/microsoft-ai-partnership-emirati-china-concern-00172167 |access-date=August 2, 2024 |work=Politico |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802194932/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/01/microsoft-ai-partnership-emirati-china-concern-00172167 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Alper |first=Alexandra |date=July 30, 2024 |title=UAE blocks meetings between AI firm G42 and US congressional staffers, spokesperson says |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/uae-blocks-meetings-between-ai-firm-g42-us-congressional-staffers-spokesperson-2024-07-29/ |access-date=August 2, 2024 |work=Reuters}}

In February 2025, Donald Trump announced to “take over the Gaza Strip” and suggested to forcibly displace Palestinians, stating they should resettle into “far safer and more beautiful communities”. He said to own Gaza and take its responsibility, while relocating the Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-take-palestinians-out-of-gaza/|title=Trump doubles down on kicking Palestinians out of Gaza|date=February 6, 2025|website=POLITICO}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/04/trump-says-us-will-take-over-the-gaza-strip-00202508|title=Trump says US will 'take over the Gaza Strip'|first=Eli|last=Stokols|date=February 4, 2025|website=POLITICO}}{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/trumps-threats-pull-aid-egypt-jordan-accept-palestinians/story?id=118757291|title=Trump's threats to pull aid if Egypt, Jordan don't accept Palestinians could lead to new alliances, experts say|website=ABC News}} Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan, united together to oppose Trump’s proposal and try block it.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newarab.com/news/arab-nations-unite-block-trumps-gaza-displacement-plan|title=Arab nations unite to block Trump's Gaza displacement plan}} However, Yousef Al Otaiba expressed doubts about any alternate counter-proposal from Arab nations. Otaiba said the UAE was open to discuss the US’ Gaza plans and find common ground with the Trump administration, hinting an opposition to the Arab front against Trump’s proposal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/02/14/united-arab-emirates-break-arab-front-against-trump-s-gaza-plan_6738156_4.html|title=United Arab Emirates break Arab front against Trump's Gaza plan|date=February 14, 2025|via=Le Monde}}

He is a member of the Cosmos Club of Washington DC.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

Ambassador Al Otaiba is associated with philanthropic causes in the United States and around the world, including Children's National Hospital in Washington D.C, Tornado Relief in Joplin Missouri, the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund, The Community Soccer Program, and global polio eradication efforts.{{Cite web|url=http://childrensnational.org/news-and-events/childrens-newsroom/2015/childrens-national-honors-al-otaibas-for-commitment-to-children|title=Childrens National Honors Al Otaibas for Commitment to Children {{!}} Children's National|website=childrensnational.org|access-date=2019-05-02|archive-date=2019-05-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502204149/https://childrensnational.org/news-and-events/childrens-newsroom/2015/childrens-national-honors-al-otaibas-for-commitment-to-children|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/united-arab-emirates-helps-joplin-think-big-in-rebuilding-tornado-scarred-schools/2013/02/17/ae6a5af0-7704-11e2-aa12-e6cf1d31106b_story.html|title=United Arab Emirates helps Joplin "think big" in rebuilding tornado-scarred schools|last=Chandrasekaran|first=Rajiv|date=February 17, 2013|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=May 2, 2019|archive-date=May 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502204114/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/united-arab-emirates-helps-joplin-think-big-in-rebuilding-tornado-scarred-schools/2013/02/17/ae6a5af0-7704-11e2-aa12-e6cf1d31106b_story.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Science_News/Technology/2013/07/16/UAE-donates-45-million-to-NJ-for-Superstorm-Sandy-recovery/17741374008382/|title=UAE donates $4.5 million to N.J. for Superstorm Sandy recovery|website=UPI|language=en|access-date=2019-05-02|archive-date=2019-05-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502204118/https://www.upi.com/Science_News/Technology/2013/07/16/UAE-donates-45-million-to-NJ-for-Superstorm-Sandy-recovery/17741374008382/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/uae/uae-and-city-pitch-in-together-for-la-1.424716|title=UAE and City pitch in together for LA|website=The National|date=7 October 2011|language=en|access-date=2019-05-02|archive-date=2019-05-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502204114/https://www.thenational.ae/uae/uae-and-city-pitch-in-together-for-la-1.424716|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/abu-dhabi-crown-prince-donates-30m-support-polio-eradication-efforts-677600.html|title=Abu Dhabi Crown Prince donates $30m to support polio eradication efforts|date=June 13, 2017|work=Arabian Business|access-date=May 2, 2019|archive-date=May 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502204117/https://www.arabianbusiness.com/abu-dhabi-crown-prince-donates-30m-support-polio-eradication-efforts-677600.html|url-status=live}}{{Citation|last=Cleveland Metropolitan School District|title=United Arab Emirates ambassador dedicates field, plays soccer with Cleveland students|date=2018-06-27|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncaE1_oEeeY|access-date=2019-05-02|archive-date=2019-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418001003/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncaE1_oEeeY|url-status=live}}

In 2014, Al Otaiba and his wife, Abeer, co-chaired the Children's Ball, which raised a record $10.9 million for Children's National, making it the most successful nonprofit fundraiser in Washington's history.{{Cite web|url=http://childrensnational.org/news-and-events/childrens-newsroom/2015/childrens-national-honors-al-otaibas-for-commitment-to-children|title=Childrens National Honors Al Otaibas for Commitment to Children {{!}} Children's National|website=childrensnational.org|access-date=2019-07-17}}{{Cite web|url=http://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/his-town/|title=The Most Charming Man In Washington|last=Ahmed|first=Ryan Grim and Akbar Shahid|website=The Huffington Post|access-date=2019-07-17|archive-date=2019-07-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713115947/https://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/his-town/|url-status=live}} In 2015, the Ambassador and Mrs. Al Otaiba were the recipients of the second annual Joseph E. Robert Jr. Prize in Philanthropy created to honor families who have given back to the hospital, after having a personal experience with the institution. The prize is named for philanthropist and business leader Joseph E. Robert Jr.

In early June 2017, an anonymous hacker group named GlobaLeaks began distributing emails to multiple news outlets that they had hacked from the inbox of Al Otaiba.{{cite news |last1=Ahmed |first1=Akbar Shahid |title=Someone Is Using These Leaked Emails To Embarrass Washington's Most Powerful Ambassador |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/otaiba-ambassador-uae-leaked-emails_n_5932bf04e4b02478cb9bec1c |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=HuffPost |publisher=Huffington Post |date=3 June 2017 |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210070601/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/otaiba-ambassador-uae-leaked-emails_us_5932bf04e4b02478cb9bec1c |url-status=live }} According to The New York Times, the hacked emails appeared to benefit Qatar and be the work of hackers working for Qatar, a common subject of the distributed emails.{{cite news |last1=Kirkpatrick |first1=David D. |title=Journalist Joins His Jailer's Side in a Bizarre Persian Gulf Feud (Published 2017) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/01/world/middleeast/qatar-egypt-united-arab-emirates-mohamed-fahmy.html |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=1 July 2017 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041137/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/01/world/middleeast/qatar-egypt-united-arab-emirates-mohamed-fahmy.html |url-status=live }} One leaked email alleged that Otaiba loaned ex-Al Jazeera journalist and Otaiba's high school friend, Mohamed Fahmy, $250,000 to cover his legal fees in his $100 million lawsuit against Al Jazeera and Qatar. Another leaked email alleged that the UAE supported moving the US military base Al Udeid Air Base and the Taliban embassy out of Qatar.{{cite news |last1=Kirkpatrick |first1=David D. |title=Persian Gulf Rivals Competed to Host Taliban, Leaked Emails Show (Published 2017) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/31/world/middleeast/uae-qatar-taliban-emails.html |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=31 July 2017 |archive-date=28 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028225539/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/31/world/middleeast/uae-qatar-taliban-emails.html |url-status=live }} A third leaked email alleged that Otaiba hired Banque Havilland to draw up a plan on how to start a financial war against Qatar.{{cite news |last1=Grim |first1=Ryan |last2=Walsh |first2=Ben |title=Leaked Documents Expose Stunning Plan to Wage Financial War on Qatar — and Steal the World Cup |url=https://theintercept.com/2017/11/09/uae-qatar-oitaba-rowland-banque-havilland-world-cup/ |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=The Intercept |publisher=The Intercept |date=9 November 2017 |archive-date=2 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102225119/https://theintercept.com/2017/11/09/uae-qatar-oitaba-rowland-banque-havilland-world-cup/ |url-status=live }}

A selection of other emails were leaked relating to alleged UAE payments to U.S. lobbying firms,{{cite news |title=Ambassador from United Arab Emirates to the U.S.: Who Is Yousef Al Otaiba? |url=http://www.allgov.com/news/top-stories/ambassador-from-united-arab-emirates-to-the-us-who-is-yousef-al-otaiba-170718?news=860248 |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=AllGov |publisher=AllGov |date=July 18, 2017 |archive-date=3 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803085613/http://www.allgov.com/news/top-stories/ambassador-from-united-arab-emirates-to-the-us-who-is-yousef-al-otaiba-170718?news=860248 |url-status=live }} Otaiba finances tied to 1Malaysia Development Berhad,{{cite news |last1=Wright |first1=Bradley Hope and Tom |title=U.A.E.'s Ambassador to U.S. Linked to 1MDB Scandal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-a-e-s-ambassador-to-u-s-linked-to-1mdb-scandal-1498864605 |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=Wall Street Journal |publisher=The Wall Street Journal |date=30 June 2017 |archive-date=3 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803085515/https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-a-e-s-ambassador-to-u-s-linked-to-1mdb-scandal-1498864605 |url-status=live }} a $250,000 UAE invoice for information related to the exportation of military-grade drones,{{cite news |last1=Jilani |first1=Zaid |last2=Emmons |first2=Alex |title=Hacked Emails Show UAE Building Close Relationship With D.C. Think Tanks That Push Its Agenda |url=https://theintercept.com/2017/07/30/uae-yousef-otaiba-cnas-american-progress-michele-flournoy-drone/ |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=The Intercept |publisher=The Intercept |date=30 July 2017 |archive-date=27 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027095000/https://theintercept.com/2017/07/30/uae-yousef-otaiba-cnas-american-progress-michele-flournoy-drone/ |url-status=live }} Otaiba's criticism of Saudi decision making,{{cite news |title='F***in' coo coo': UAE envoy mocks Saudi leadership in leaked email |url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/fing-cuckoo-uae-ambassador-ridicules-saudi-leaders-leaked-emails-925239451 |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=Middle East Eye |publisher=Middle East Eye |language=en |archive-date=23 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823034005/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/fing-cuckoo-uae-ambassador-ridicules-saudi-leaders-leaked-emails-925239451 |url-status=live }} and an inside account of Otaiba's nightlife and relationship with women prior to becoming Ambassador. Roman Paschal, Otaiba's friend, confirmed no wrongdoing by Otaiba in an interview with The Intercept{{cite news |last1=Grim |first1=Ryan |title=Otaiba Nightlife - Interview with Roman Paschal |url=https://theintercept.com/2017/08/30/uae-ambassador-yousef-al-otaiba-double-life-prostitutes-sex-work/ |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=The Intercept |publisher=The Intercept |date=30 August 2017 |archive-date=31 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031050809/https://theintercept.com/2017/08/30/uae-ambassador-yousef-al-otaiba-double-life-prostitutes-sex-work/ |url-status=live }} and the Daily Beast said the leaked emails fell short of the explosive revelations hinted at in GlobaLeaks's cover letter.{{cite news |last1=Poulsen |first1=Kevin |title=Daily Beast - Ambassador Emails Forthcoming |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/06/02/hackers-vow-to-release-apparent-trove-of-uae-ambassadors-emails |access-date=28 October 2020 |work=The Daily Beast |publisher=The Daily Beast |date=2 June 2017 |language=en |archive-date=3 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803085534/https://www.thedailybeast.com/hackers-vow-to-release-apparent-trove-of-uae-ambassadors-emails |url-status=live }} Before disclosing the affiliation between Otaiba finances and 1Malaysia Development Berhad, Otaiba allegedly met with Jho Low, a Malaysian financier with whom he holds a long-standing friendship. In return for introductions and deals with Emirati delegates, Jho Low paid Otaiba a commission.{{Cite news |title=UAE's Ambassador to U.S. Linked to 1MDB Scandal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-a-e-s-ambassador-to-u-s-linked-to-1mdb-scandal-1498864605 |access-date=2017-06-30 |work=The Wall Street Journal |language=en |archive-date=2017-06-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630233410/https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-a-e-s-ambassador-to-u-s-linked-to-1mdb-scandal-1498864605 |url-status=live }} GlobaLeaks stated that their intent behind the emails was to expose the UAE's efforts to manipulate the U.S. government, but denied allegiance to Qatar, or any other government mentioned in the emails. The leaked email exchanges received criticism in the media for potentially obstructing U.S. operations in the Middle East, regardless of their initial intent.{{Cite web |title=Hackers leak emails from UAE ambassador to US |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/6/4/hackers-leak-emails-from-uae-ambassador-to-us |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

The emails received by The Intercept also revealed an impressive covert cooperation between the UAE and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). Otaiba frequently exchanged friendly emails with the FDD Senior Counselor John Hannah. The emails also listed a proposed agenda, including an extensive discussion on Qatar, of meeting between the UAE and FDD for June 11–14.{{cite news |last1=Jilani |first1=Zaid |last2=Grim |first2=Ryan |title=Hacked Emails Show Top UAE Diplomat Coordinating With Pro-Israel Think Tank Against Iran |url=https://theintercept.com/2017/06/03/hacked-emails-show-top-uae-diplomat-coordinating-with-pro-israel-neocon-think-tank-against-iran/ |access-date=8 October 2023 |work=The Intercept |date=3 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603144923/https://theintercept.com/2017/06/03/hacked-emails-show-top-uae-diplomat-coordinating-with-pro-israel-neocon-think-tank-against-iran/ |archive-date=3 June 2017}} The email leaks also revealed close contacts between the UAE and US-based think tanks, including the United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) and the Counter Extremism Project (CEP). Apart from Otaiba and the staff of both the groups, the network involved the UAE lobbyists and a Saudi lobbyist. The emails led to questions about funding of these groups by the UAE, which has funded other American think tanks.{{cite news |title=Hacked Emails Reveal Close Ties Between UAE and Anti-Iran/Qatar Advocacy Groups |url=https://lobelog.com/hacked-emails-reveal-close-ties-between-uae-and-anti-iranqatar-advocacy-groups/ |access-date=18 November 2023 |work=Lobe Log |publisher=Lobe Log |language=en |archive-date=18 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118124827/https://lobelog.com/hacked-emails-reveal-close-ties-between-uae-and-anti-iranqatar-advocacy-groups/ |url-status=live }}

• Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Washington, D.C.
• United Arab Emirates–United States relations

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.uae-embassy.org/html/Embassy/Amb_Biography.html Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba official biography]
• [http://www.uae-us.org/page.cfm?id=227 Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba official picture]
• [http://www.uae-embassy.org U.A.E. Embassy in Washington, DC]

;Videos

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca8ddlS_qTE&feature=youtu.be On The Same Page: America's Middle East Allies and Regional Threats] - Foundation for Defense of Democracies — 1/15/2021
• UAE Minister of State Yousef Al Otaiba
• Bahrain Ambassador to U.S. Rashid al-Khalifa
• Israel Ambassador to US Ron Dermer

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Otaiba, Yousef Al}}

Category:Living people

Category:Georgetown University alumni

Category:Ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates to the United States

Category:Ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates to Mexico

Category:Emirati people of Egyptian descent

Category:1974 births