Abu Dhabi, UAE – Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Arab Emirates John Rakolta Jr. arrived in Abu Dhabi on October 27, 2019. Ambassador Rakolta was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the United Arab Emirates on September 17, 2019.
Upon his arrival, Ambassador Rakolta said, “It is my honor to serve as Ambassador of the United States to the United Arab Emirates. Our nations share a deep commitment to regional security, bilateral commercial ties, and cultural and educational exchange. I am dedicated to expanding the enduring relationship between the U.S. and the UAE, strengthening the links that make the UAE one of our most important partners in the region.”
Ambassador Rakolta served as CEO of Michigan-based construction company Walbridge for 28 years. A civic activist, especially on race relations, K-12 education, and economic development, Ambassador Rakolta served on many community-oriented boards and corporations. He served as honorary consul general for Romania in Detroit from 1998 to 2019.