National Environmental Group, LLC (“NEG”), a U.S. based company headquartered in New York City, has obtained a judgment in the amount of $140 million dollars, which includes compensatory damages plus the award of interest and attorneys’ fees, against Sheikh Butti bin Suhail al-Maktoum, a member of the United Arab Emirates royal family. The judgment was issued by the United States Federal District Court in Connecticut in connection with a lawsuit brought by NEG against the Sheikh, related to a $285 Million Dollar power plant transaction. This comes at a crucial time, as the United Arab Emirates is determined to portray a business-friendly environment, and an internationally respected presence. UAE was the first country to host a World Expo in the region, and the UAE announced a space mission scheduled for 2028. The Abraham Accords was an
historic accomplishment that brought the UAE, Israel, and United States closer together. At a recent forum, Yousef Al Otaiba, the Ambassador from UAE to Washington, highlighted the UAE’s commitment to defeating extremism and terrorism in all forms, as well as its leadership in offering a new vision for the region based on an alternative ideology, modernity and forward-thinking.
Yet, there seems to be some cultural transitions that will be necessary to accomplish their goals and fully
integrate into the international global arena. American businessman, Aaron Abadi, is the CEO of NEG, and he described his concerns with dealing with the UAE royalty. “We were excited to do business with the royal family in the UAE, after seeing all of these major advances in business and foreign relations, we expected a very western-like business environment. Now that we won a judgment against him, we are waiting to see if the normal judicial process is respected there.” The United Arab Emirates is a unique country and, in many ways, a wonderful success story. With the vision of its rulers, it lifted itself into becoming a global leader in business and in foreign affairs. It has become the predominant business center in the region. Its leaders are involved in multiple diplomatic discussions and negotiations across the globe. It remains to be seen if they can resolve such situations and demonstrate a reliable and trustworthy business process. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, known by his initials as MBZ, is the third president of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Abu Dhabi. He is seen as the driving force behind the UAE's interventionist foreign policy and is a leader of a campaign against movements in the Arab world. NEG says it is inspired by this and is hoping that through MBZ’s leadership this issue can be resolved quickly and amicably.
https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/41201358/National_Environmental_Group,_LLC_v_Al_Maktoum