AmCham Abu Dhabi Hosts Virtual Briefing with the U.S. Mission to the UAE

March 11, 2026

Clockwise from left: Lina Lampkin, Chairwoman, AmCham Abu Dhabi, Danny Sebright, U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President, Sammy Bousaba, Chairman, AmCham Dubai, and Senior Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Mission to the UAE, Nicholas Keefe

AmCham Abu Dhabi, in partnership with the U.S.–U.A.E. Business Council and AmCham Dubai, convened members for a virtual briefing with representatives from the U.S. Mission to the UAE to provide updates on the current security environment, consular operations, and business outlook.

The briefing opened with remarks from Lina Lampkin, Chairwoman of AmCham Abu Dhabi; Sammy Bousaba, Chairman of AmCham Dubai; and Danny Sebright, President of the U.S.–U.A.E. Business Council. Members heard updates from Nicholas Keefe, Senior Regional Security Officer at the U.S. Mission to the UAE; Ronald S. Packowitz, Consular Chief at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi; Tanya Cole, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi / U.S. Commercial Service; and Kate Skartsten, Economic Counselor at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi.

Key Takeaways Included:

  • U.S. officials highlighted the importance of maintaining situational awareness and precautionary safety measures, including limiting non-essential movement and remaining close to shelter where possible.
  • Members were encouraged to follow updates through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive official alerts and guidance from the U.S. Department of State.
  • The U.S. government is facilitating organized departure flights for U.S. citizens wishing to leave the UAE, while commercial flight options remain available but limited.
  • Emergency passport services remain available for U.S. citizens who require documentation in order to depart the country.
  • Visa services are temporarily suspended, as consular teams prioritize support for U.S. citizens and urgent cases.
  • Many U.S. companies continue to maintain operations in the UAE while prioritizing employee safety, with several business activities postponed rather than cancelled and planning underway for upcoming engagements.

Resources Shared:

U.S. citizens seeking Consular assistance may contact the U.S. Mission to the UAE through the following channels:

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)