Jamal Bafagih
Director, Houston
National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce

Jamal Bafagih was appointed NUSACC’s Director for the Houston office in February 2014.  His principal mission at NUSACC is to foster bilateral business, trade, and investment opportunities between countries of the Middle East & North Africa (MENA region) and the State of Texas, particularly the City of Houston, and neighboring states.  He advises the President & CEO of NUSACC on strategy as it affects NUSACC’s interests in Texas and other communities.  Jamal also specializes in the UAE market.

Jamal enjoyed an extensive and distinguished career with the US Federal Government including Departments of State, Commerce, and Defense. He served at US Embassies Abu Dhabi and Sanaa from 1985 to 2010 in different roles including Senior Consular and Commercial Specialists.

Jamal was recognized with numerous awards for exceptional and exemplary service to the US government and the US community in UAE. He also served as Committee Chairman for the Foreign Service National Employee Association for 5 years. He was awarded Embassy Abu Dhabi "Employee of the Year", in 1997 and 2006.

Jamal was a founding member of Entilaq, a leading Abu Dhabi international trade and logistics consultancy.  Entilaq supports its US clients set up shop in the GCC region and facilitates partner searches and new opportunities. Entilaq also organizes and helps organize in/out-bound delegations with logistical support.  Jamal also served on the Board of the American Business Group of Abu Dhabi, AmCham 2011-2012.

Jamal is an active member of the Houston business community. He serves as Secretary of Houston Mayor Annise Parker's International Trade Development Council, MITDC-MENA (http://www.houstontx.gov/intltrade/divisions/index.html).  He is also Vice President of the Houston-Abu Dhabi Sister City Association.

Jamal is married and has four children, all of whom live and go to school in Houston, Texas.    

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