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New Jersey Economic Mission Trip to the United Arab Emirates Daily Recap – April 30 - May 1, 2025
Abu Dhabi
Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey delegation continued Choose New Jersey’s seven-day Governor-led economic mission in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The visit focused on heightening collaboration between New Jersey and the United Arab Emirates in areas such as commercial gaming, digital policy, AI, and women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Governor Murphy Attends Signing of Memorandum of Understanding Between the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and the General Commercial Gaming Regulation Authority
Governor Murphy attended an MOU signing between the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) and the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). The MOU focuses on sharing best practices in regulating sports gaming, casinos, and related activities.
Governor Murphy Participates in a Fireside Chat at the 37th Annual Digital Transformation Summit UAE 2025
Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and members of the New Jersey delegation attended the 37th Annual Digital Transformation Summit, where Governor Murphy was a featured speaker in a fireside chat, moderated by Mike Mattacola, Chief Business Officer of CoreWeave. The Governor gave a comprehensive overview of how New Jersey is integrating artificial intelligence into government operations and showcased the state’s bold initiatives.
Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and Members of the New Jersey Delegation Attend Reception Hosted by U.S. Ambassador Martina Strong and Emirati Leaders
Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and members of the New Jersey delegation attended a dinner reception hosted by U.S. Ambassador to the UAE Martina Strong and Emirati leaders. The evening served as a platform to strengthen U.S.–UAE bilateral relations and advance strategic dialogues. Held in a traditional majlis setting—a cultural space central to Emirati life that fosters dialogue, hospitality, and community—the reception encouraged open and meaningful exchange. Discussions focused on deepening economic, commercial, and cultural ties between New Jersey and the UAE, while supporting broader U.S. priorities in the region. The engagement also provided an opportunity to highlight New Jersey’s strengths as a hub for innovation and international business and explore new avenues for collaboration.
First Lady Tammy Murphy and the New Jersey Delegation Meet with Mr. Ashwin Joshi, Director of startAD at NYU Abu Dhabi
First Lady Tammy Murphy and select members of the New Jersey delegation met with Mr. Ashwin Joshi, Director of startAD (part of New York University, Abu Dhabi) to discuss collaboration in entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. StartAD is an Abu Dhabi-based accelerator that steers local and global startups to scale in the UAE and beyond. The meeting explored synergies between New Jersey’s innovation ecosystem and startAD’s initiatives, including the Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers and the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs UAE.
Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey Delegation Visit the Abrahamic Family House
Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and members of the New Jersey delegation visited the Abrahamic Family House, a landmark cultural and religious complex designed to foster peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue. The site is home to a church, synagogue, and mosque—each honoring one of the three Abrahamic faiths—standing side by side as symbols of mutual respect and understanding. The group met with the House’s Acting Executive Director, Abdulla Al Shehhi, to align with the trip’s mission of fostering goodwill and cultural exchange.