Gov. Whitmer Announces MOU to Officially Recognize Economic Partnership between Michigan and the UAE, Paving the Way for Job Creation in Michigan

Partnership between Michigan Economic Development Corporation, University of Michigan, and Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah seeks to boost innovation and strengthen ties

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), and leaders from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the University of Michigan (U-M) to sign a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance global innovation, entrepreneurship, economic growth, and job creation. The ceremony was attended by Robert Raines, Consul General of the United States in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, along with a delegation of business, academic, and innovation leaders from the State of Michigan. 

“Michigan is an international leader in manufacturing and innovation,” said Governor Whitmer. “By signing a Memorandum of Understanding with RAK and the University of Michigan, we are highlighting our advanced manufacturing strength, engineering talent, and cutting-edge R&D while showing the world why they should continue to create jobs and invest in Michigan.”     

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to fostering dynamic innovation ecosystems, strengthening public-private collaborations, creating good-paying jobs, and cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders. Through leveraging Michigan and RAK’s unique expertise and perspectives, this collaboration will facilitate knowledge exchange, talent development, and technology commercialization to drive economic prosperity. 

“The State of Michigan is committed to fostering innovation and expanding global partnerships that create economic prosperity,” said Ben Marchionna, Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer at the MEDC. “As part of our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy to attract businesses and drive entrepreneurship, this MOU marks a significant step toward deepening our engagement with international partners and enhancing Michigan’s position as a leader in the global innovation economy.” 

“At the University of Michigan, we believe that transformative innovation happens through collaboration to tackle global challenges,” said Kelly Sexton, Associate Vice President of Research – Innovation Partnerships and Economic Impact, University of Michigan. “This partnership with the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation highlights the power of working together to drive technology commercialization, advance talent development, and create new opportunities for discovery, growth, and impact in Michigan and the UAE. We are proud to be part of this initiative that connects two dynamic innovation ecosystems to fuel global prosperity." 

“Ras Al Khaimah is committed to nurturing a thriving ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Peter CS Pan, Head of Startup & Entrepreneurship Hub, Ras Al Khaimah. “Ras Al Khaimah Startup and Entrepreneurship Hub’s partnership with the MEDC and the University of Michigan strengthens our vision, enabling us to unlock new possibilities, cultivate talent and drive economic growth through the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Through this alliance, we reaffirm our shared commitment to shaping a future of transformative impact, where knowledge, creativity and leadership are central to our collective progress.” 

The State of Michigan and RAK are growing hubs for entrepreneurship and economic diversification, as U-M continues to be a world-renowned leader in research, innovation, and education. Through the MOU, these institutions will collaborate on key initiatives, including: 

 

• Innovation Ecosystem Development: Sharing best practices in startup investment strategies, technology commercialization, and policy development to create more jobs. 

• Leadership and Talent Development: Expanding executive education programs, workshops, and professional training in entrepreneurship and innovation management to make Michiganders qualified for good-paying jobs. 

• Global Learning Opportunities: Facilitating student exchanges, internships, and joint programs between Michigan and Ras Al Khaimah-based academic institutions. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.