Illinois State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) recently led a bipartisan delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aimed at building relationships and promoting investment, tourism, and cultural and educational exchanges between Illinois and the UAE. The delegation spent three days each in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The group included members from both the Illinois Senate and House, representatives from the City of Chicago, and leadership from World Business Chicago. The trade mission was coordinated by the Illinois Association for Global Trade. According to information provided, no taxpayer funds were used for Senator Lewis’ participation.
Meetings with senior economic and business leaders in Abu Dhabi and Dubai focused on fostering long-term collaboration, attracting investment to Illinois, and showcasing the state’s advantages. Senator Lewis presented more than $20 billion in U.S. investment opportunities and discussed strengths such as infrastructure, workforce readiness, logistics, tourism, and innovation.
“The UAE delegates are well aware of Illinois’ potential and its strategic opportunities,” Lewis said. “They were just waiting for someone to come over, start the conversation, and ask for the partnership.”
Lewis stated that the primary aim of the visit was to introduce Illinois to UAE leaders as an attractive destination for investment. Discussions also addressed expanding tourism, encouraging cultural and educational exchanges, and establishing partnerships beneficial to communities throughout Illinois.
“I am committed to making Illinois a place where people want to live and not leave,” Lewis said. “That means working hard to seek and secure investment and opportunities for job growth, especially high-paying construction and other jobs for the people of Illinois.”
Senator Lewis highlighted collaboration between Chicago, its suburbs, and other regions as key to statewide economic success.
“I fully support a strong Chicago, and I have always believed that as Chicago’s economic success goes, so does the suburbs and the balance of the state,” he said. “Illinois is strong because of what I call the Four L’s: Labor, with a highly educated workforce; Location/Logistics, as the crossroads of the Midwest with comprehensive rail, road, and airport infrastructure anchored by the City of Chicago; Land, with fertile farmland that supports food production and global markets; and Lake Michigan, with its abundant water resources. These strengths make Illinois uniquely competitive and ripe for investment.”
Lewis described the trade mission as productive for all involved parties.
“This was a very productive mission and an educational experience for everyone involved,” he said. “I look forward to continued conversations and partnerships that will deliver real investment, economic growth, and lasting benefits for the people of Illinois.”
Lewis has represented Illinois’ 24th Senate District since his election in 2023 after succeeding Suzy Glowiak.
