Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC
3522 International Ct NW #100, Washington, DC 20008, United States
10 November 2026
9:30am - 12:00pm EST
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Learn about opportunities emerging in Dubai and its growing economy
Understand the process of setting up and operating a business from Dubai
Explore the DMCC infrastructure, tools, services and industry ecosystems
See how US companies are using Dubai as a base to access markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia
Khalid Sharaf
Senior Director – Corporate Sales and Business Development,
DMCC
Speaker Profile
Khalid Sharaf
Senior Director – Corporate Sales and Business Development,DMCC
Khalid Sharaf serves as the Senior Director of Corporate Sales and Business Development at DMCC, the world’s leading business district and a global authority on commodities trade and enterprise.
In his role, Khalid leads the expansion of the organisation’s corporate sales strategies and business development initiatives. His work focuses on attracting global companies, strengthening DMCC’s international footprint, and driving strategic partnerships that reinforce DMCC’s position as the premier hub for trade, commodities and innovation.
Prior to joining DMCC, Khalid held several senior roles within the UAE Government. As Director of the UAE Government Leaders Programme at the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, he oversaw national leadership development initiatives and guided high-level engagements during the annual World Governments Summit in Dubai. He also held roles at Expo 2020 Dubai and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA).
He holds an Executive MBA from Georgetown University in Washington, DC; a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston; and a Higher Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai.
Andres Hayes
President & CEO,
Airtifae Group
Speaker Profile
Andres Hayes
President & CEO,Airtifae Group
Andrés O. Hayes is the President and CEO of the Airtifae Group an organization that was created to assist local, regional and international entities to " ELEVATE THEIR INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE AND LEVEL OF SERVICE". Most recently, he served as Director for International Trade and Commerce in the Government of the District of Columbia from 2019-2022 and was responsible for attracting foreign direct investment into Washington, DC, strengthening relationships with countries who have expressed interest in investing in DC and want to expand further, increasing exports from small- and medium-sized businesses in the District to other countries, and planning for and carrying out the Mayor’s international trade missions. He is credited with creating and executing the first-ever International Business Strategy for the City and as a result, positioned DC as a hub in the United States for international business and supported dozens of businesses expanding operations to DC. With citizenship in the United States and residency in the UAE, Andres has forged deep relations for Foreign Direct Investment and strategic relations.
Andres Hayes has 25 years of experience in Banking and Hospitality, most of them in the Credit Card Business where he worked for Visa International for 11 years: 7 years in Miami, Florida and 4 years in London, England. As one of the youngest Regional Managers, Mr. Hayes was selected to open the new Operations Center for Central Europe Middle East, and Africa in 1994. After his time with Visa International, he managed two major Card Operations Centers in the Americas and Europe as Senior Vice President. Additionally, he was the Restaurant Manager for B. Smith’s in Washington DC for 4 years and General Manager for The Mansion on O Street for 2 years. Afterward, he opened AH Consulting Firm, a hospitality and tourism firm, as President and CEO.
Hayes is extremely active in the DC community where he served as a board member of the DC Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Advisory Board of Carlos Rosario International Charter School Culinary Program, and Raised funds for the Greater Washington Area Covenant House. He is a past President of Skål International Washington DC and current Director of the International Board. Skål is an international organization of Tourism Professionals. He is also a Board Member of Education for Sharing. An international non-profit organization that forms better global citizens through innovative education based on the power of play.
Cara Nazari
CEO,
AmCham Dubai
Speaker Profile
Cara Nazari
CEO,AmCham Dubai
Born and raised in the USA, Cara has called Dubai home for 30 years. As the current Chief Executive Office leading AmCham Dubai, she is an accomplished business leader with a reputation as a key advocate for US business in the UAE and broader MENA region. She is a dedicated professional with a passion for excellence around collaboration for key impact, with a proven ability to raise awareness of challenges and deliver wins for all with mutually beneficial solutions. Her vast network of top business leaders and government officials is a key component of her ability to help deliver solid economic impact and to eliminate trade barriers. Engaging the correct people in the conversation, communicating in a clear and concise manner and finding solutions enable her to deliver on leading transformational change.
Cara is a dedicated professional committed to flawless execution when she leads a project, and she understands that resources need to be deployed skillfully to optimize outcomes. Cara’s passion for people led her to serve in the private and non-profit sectors providing some unparalleled opportunities. Prior to devoting herself to her business full-time, she worked, planned, and defined concepts for brands we all know and love. Cara has led key visits to the UAE for 3 US Presidents.
Cara is an active member of the community and believes in giving back through mentoring and volunteering, sharing her knowledge to build best practices, her skill at business development and revenue generation as well as creating standards of excellence and raising the bar of professionalism.
In her spare time, Cara is a mother to three amazing children. They enjoy their time together when they can be together as a family when lucky enough to have everyone on the same continent.
Mohammed Mohammed
Senior Manager - Corporate Sales,
DMCC
Speaker Profile
Mohammed Mohammed
Senior Manager - Corporate Sales,DMCC
Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed is a Senior Manager of Corporate Sales at DMCC, the world’s leading Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise.
Joining DMCC in 2014, Mohammed is responsible for promoting the benefits of doing business in Dubai and establishing a presence in DMCC. Building strategic relationships is a key focus for Mohammed, and so too is engaging with local and international business communities at key industry events throughout the year.
With over 16 years of business development and corporate sales experience, Mohammed has worked alongside a number of senior figures in both the public and private sectors of the United Arab Emirates. Mohammed earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the American University in Emirates.
