Democratic Party unit set up in UAE

Dubai: Washington-based Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party for Americans living abroad, formally approved a new chapter for the UAE on Wednesday.

Democrats Abroad UAE (DA UAE) was launched last summer and has been active in discussions, debates and election-related events since.

The UAE chapter is chaired by energy consultant Chris Hansen and its vice chair is Buffalo, New York, native Elizabeth Katkin.

"We are so pleased to welcome Democrats Abroad UAE. We know that under Chris and Elizabeth's leadership, they will bring energy and enthusiasm to the entire organisation, and work hard to maintain our democratic majorities in the House and Senate," said Christine Schon Marques, International Chair, Democrats Abroad.

The DA UAE executive board has been working hard to achieve three main goals: helping all US citizens vote, providing a connection to the Democratic Party, and providing an enjoyable way for like-minded Americans to gather in the UAE. To that end, the group plans a series of events in 2009, which included a gala dinner to celebrate President-elect Obama's inauguration at the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and monthly socials on the first Tuesday of every month.