Graphic by Mariko Kuroda/The Gazelle

His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE’s ambassador to the United States, is set to deliver the keynote address at NYU Abu Dhabi’s third graduation ceremony on May 23.

Otaiba is third in NYUAD’s short but prestigious list of commencement speakers, following former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Apart from being one of the earlier supporters of NYUAD’s mission and the collaboration between NYU and the UAE government, Otaiba has served as the UAE’s top diplomat to the United States since July 2008. During his time in Washington D.C., Otaiba has worked to strengthen relations between the UAE and the U.S., not only improving bilateral security and economic cooperation but also chiefing efforts to increase military, intelligence and counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries. He played a vital role in facilitating the U.S.-UAE Agreement for Peaceful Civilian Nuclear Energy Cooperation, a 123 Agreement which allows the UAE to receive nuclear know-how, equipment and materials from the United States. Otaiba has also promoted cooperation on issues of trade, security, arts, education, healthcare and philanthropy between the two countries.

Before becoming UAE’s ambassador to the U.S., Otaiba served for eight years as the Director of International Affairs for the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“We are incredibly honored to welcome His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the U.S., as the keynote speaker for our 2016 Commencement. Ambassador Otaiba is one of the leading voices of the UAE, a true friend of NYU Abu Dhabi from its inception, and a powerful advocate for the values of openness, diversity and peace. His presence will make the 2016 commencement an historic event in the history of our university. The community is truly privileged to have him as our speaker,” commented NYUAD Vice Chancellor Al Bloom.

The graduation of the Class of 2016 will also mark NYU President Andrew Hamilton’s first commencement ceremony at NYUAD, and he is set to offer remarks to the graduating class. Other speakers will include Bloom, welcome address speaker Shakbut Al Kaabi and Class of 2016 student speaker Layan Abu Yassin.

Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, minister of state for youth and an NYUAD alumnus, will be presented with the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award.

NYUAD’s graduating class is comprised of 133 students from 59 countries.