New Jersey Delegation Concludes Economic Mission in Dubai – May 1 & May 2

Dubai –  Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey delegation concluded Choose New Jersey’s seven-day Governor-led economic mission in Dubai. Meetings and events focused on strengthening multiple university partnerships and collaborations in logistics, manufacturing, fintech, global relations, and women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. 

Below are photos and additional details from the events in Abu Dhabi:

Governor Murphy, Wesley Mathews, and New Jersey Delegation Announce Hotpack’s $100 Million Investment in First North American Manufacturing and Distribution Facility in New Jersey

Governor Murphy, the First Lady, Wesley Mathews, and the New Jersey delegation met with Mr. Abdul Jebbar P.B., Founder and Group Managing Director of Hotpack Global. Hotpack Global is a leading manufacturer and distributor of sustainable food packaging products, disposable packaging solutions, and hygiene products. During the meeting, Hotpack officially announced its decision to invest $100 million in establishing its first North American manufacturing facility in Edison, New Jersey. The state-of-the-art facility, spanning 70,000 square feet, is scheduled to commence operations in June 2025 and create up to 200 jobs. This investment follows Hotpack’s initial entry into New Jersey, marked by the opening of a warehouse at Raritan Center, Edison, in September 2023. 

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey Delegation Attend Reception with Danny E. Sebright, President, and Matthew Gardell, Senior Director of the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and members of the New Jersey delegation attended a reception with the U.S.–U.A.E. Business Council. Prior to the reception, Governor Murphy, the First Lady, and a limited delegation participated in a B2B focused meeting to encourage and support the expansion of UAE companies into New Jersey. The conversation highlighted New Jersey’s strategic advantages, including its dynamic innovation ecosystem, direct access to the North American market, and strengths in priority sectors.

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and New Jersey Delegation Meet with His Excellency Abdulla Lootah

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, Wesley Mathews, and members of the New Jersey delegation held a private meeting with His Excellency Abdulla Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore areas of mutual interest between New Jersey and the UAE.

Governor Murphy Announces a Memorandum of Understanding Between Rowan University and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah

Governor Murphy announced a Memorandum of Understanding between Rowan University and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) in a meeting with Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK. The First Lady and the New Jersey delegation also attended the meeting, following a visit to the University. AURAK is a public, non-profit, coeducational institution offering an American-style education. The university has built relationships with other U.S. universities, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Appalachian State University, the University of Texas at Arlington, Wayne State University, and the University of Wyoming. The MOU formalized collaboration between AURAK and Rowan University and focuses on joint research initiatives and academic cooperation.

Governor Murphy Announces Memoranda of Understanding Between Kean University and Dubai Universities — American University of Dubai, University of Dubai, and University Wollongong in Dubai— in Meeting with Professor Mohamed-Vall M. Salem Zein, President of the University of Wollongong Dubai

In a meeting with Professor Mohamed-Vall M. Salem Zein, President of the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), Governor Murphy announced Memoranda of Understanding between Kean University and three Dubai universities: American University of Dubai, the first private university in the UAE; University of Dubai, one of the top universities in the UAE; and University Wollongong in Dubai, the first international Australian university established in the UAE that offers globally recognized, Australian-accredited degrees. First Lady Tammy Murphy and the New Jersey delegation also attended the meeting. The MOUs will create opportunities for research partnerships across areas of shared interest between Kean University and the UAE academic institutions, encouraging joint projects, faculty research exchanges, and collaborative innovation initiatives.

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey Delegation Attend Roundtable Meeting with Dr. Sahitya Chaturvedi, Secretary General of the Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC)

Governor Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey delegation participated in a panel presentation with the Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai, the largest Indian-origin business association based in Dubai. IBPC Dubai plays a vital role in supporting and connecting Indian businesses operating in the region, many of which are actively seeking global expansion opportunities. The roundtable focused on showcasing New Jersey’s competitive advantages and highlighting the state’s deepening ties with India, including the work of the New Jersey India Center, and recent economic missions that are strengthening bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

For more information on the Gulf Arab States economic mission, visit choosenj.com/GulfArabMission.