Description
The U.S. Mission to the UAE invites proposals for initiatives in three program areas: (1) Celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, showcasing American excellence and the importance and breadth of the U.S.-UAE partnership through activities, events, collaborative projects, workshops, conferences, and/or performances across all seven emirates. (2) Expanding partnerships and cooperation in space exploration via space camps (in the United States and/or UAE), virtual hackathons, and joint research initiatives. (3) Leveraging the network of alumni from USG-funded entrepreneurship programs such as Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and Junior Achievement INJAZ UAE, to boost trade and investment opportunities with the United States. Possible activities include workshops, networking events, mentorship programs, pitch competitions, and/or an entrepreneurship summit. All proposals should include budgets covering travel, event costs, and engagement expenses, and outline a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework with regular reviews and data analysis. Priority Program Areas: Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of American Independence in 2026 Host events in 2026 showcasing American excellence, innovation, technology, dynamism, and/or unique and compelling aspects of American culture, as well as the importance and breadth of the U.S.-UAE partnership, at different locations across all seven emirates to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Key areas of focus include frontier technologies (AI, space, cybersecurity), commercial partnerships (U.S. companies, UAE investment opportunities in the United States), and regional security initiatives. Proposals could include activities, events, collaborative projects, workshops, conferences, speaker series, and/or performances, either standalone or tied to appropriate UAE tradeshows, festivals, or public events. We would seek to ensure programming across all seven emirates over the course of the year. We are open to considering small proposals that focus on one or two specific emirates. U.S. Leadership in Space Exploration and Collaboration Expand partnerships and cooperation in space exploration projects while showcasing U.S. leadership, technological advancements, and innovation. Possible activities or programming components include the following: space camps (in the United States and/or UAE), virtual hackathons focused on AI and sector-specific applications of space research/exploration, private sector engagement, workshops/seminars on space sciences and other relevant topics, and joint research initiatives between U.S. and UAE universities/entities. Participants would be university students or young professionals from the United States and the UAE. Expanding Prosperity – Expanding USG-funded entrepreneurship programs to U.S. markets Leverage the network of alumni from USG-funded entrepreneurship programs, such as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and Junior Achievement INJAZ UAE, to develop their trade acumen and create linkages to U.S. markets to boost trade and investment opportunities with the United States. Possible activities include workshops, networking events, mentorship programs, pitch competitions, and/or an entrepreneurship summit. Participants include alumni from USG-funded entrepreneurship programs in the UAE and the region, as well as emerging entrepreneurs from the United States. Please note: All programs must include an American component, conveying an element of U.S. culture, history, excellence, innovation, and/or scientific and technological expertise. This must be a concrete element that establishes or strengthens ties between people in the UAE and the United States.