His Excellency Michael Corbin, United States Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, delivered an engaging lecture on entrepreneurship and its importance to the Middle East and North Africa region in general at American University of Sharjah (AUS) today, February 18, 2014.

In his talk, the ambassador spoke about the important position that UAE holds in the region as an important hub for entrepreneurship and commerce. Ambassador Corbin touched on a number of significant areas where the USA and the UAE have been working together, from business and IT to health and international peace-keeping.

The lecture also included a lively question and answer session wherein the ambassador addressed the many queries students and faculty members had on current events in the region as well as the commercial and entrepreneurial role of the US in the Middle East.

"Ambassador Corbin is a friend of AUS, and it is always an honor and a privilege to have him on campus," said Dr. Thomas Hochstettler, AUS Acting Chancellor, in his welcome remarks. "Ambassador Corbin is well versed with our region, having also served at US embassies in Egypt, Tunisia and Kuwait," he added.

Ambassador Corbin was nominated as the US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates by President Barack Obama on May 5, 2011. He also served as Minister Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs at the US Embassy in Cairo from 2003 to 2006. The Ambassador was Deputy Director of the Office of Arabian Peninsula Affairs in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs from 2001 to 2003. His first overseas post was at the US Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia from 1985-1987. He served in Kuwait from 1987 to 1989. Ambassador Corbin joined the Foreign Service in 1985. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Ambassador Corbin served in the Peace Corps from 1982 to 1984 in Mauritania. He received a bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College.

The lecture was attended by senior AUS officials, faculty members, students as well as members of the public.