Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

The Phoenix - Dubai Economic Development Cooperation Agreement

The leaders of Phoenix and Dubai signed an agreement to promote trade and investment between their two cities in April of 2009. After several visits back and forth, the leaders realized that the cities had much in common. Phoenix is the fastest growing, most dynamic city in the United States and Dubai is the fastest growing, most dynamic city in the Middle East. Both cities face the challenge of creating desirable, green cities in desert climates.

The purpose of this agreement is to lay the foundation for a greater flow of trade and investment between the two cities. The leaders also committed to promoting cultural and academic exchanges, particularly with the goal of enhancing the use of solar energy and green building technologies.

The expectation is that the increased flow of business and academic visitors will build the basis for commercially viable, direct flights between Phoenix and Dubai.

As steps toward fulfilling the intent of the agreement, business executives from Dubai will be attending the U.S. Green Building Conference in Phoenix in November, 2009. And Mayor Gordon will be leading a trade mission to Dubai in December, 2009.

The photo below shows Mr. Hussain Nasser Lootah, the Director General of Dubai Municipality, on the left, signing the agreement with Mr. Phil Gordon, the Mayor of Phoenix, on April 29, 2009. The Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates, Sultan Saeed Nasser AlMansoori, is standing behind Mr. Lootah.