The U.S.-Saudi Business Council (USSBC) hosted a member-only luncheon in Riyadh on May 30, 2023, to welcome the new Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, The Honorable Michael J. Ratney. The luncheon gave U.S. and Saudi members of the USSBC the chance to meet the Ambassador and hear his thoughts on bilateral commercial relations. The event served as an ideal opportunity for members to network with fellow attendees, as well as with officials from the U.S. Commercial Service, Riyadh. The USSBC has a long history of collaborating with the U.S. Commercial Service to advance the U.S.-Saudi business partnership.
Amb. Ratney brings with him a wealth of experience from a long career in diplomatic and international affairs. At the time of his nomination Amb. Ratney stated he was committed to a “strong and sustainable U.S.-Saudi partnership that advances U.S. interests and reflects U.S. values,” and that he is motivated by “demonstrating the durable American commitment to our partners and allies and to our values.”
Amb. Ratney started his career with the U.S. Foreign Service in 1990 after earning his M.A. from George Washington University. Prior to his confirmation, Amb. Ratney served as the State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Levant and Israel-Palestinian Affairs and as the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria. He has previously served in U.S. missions in Qatar, Mexico, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Barbados, and most recently in Israel, where he served as Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. embassy. Amb. Ratney speaks English, Arabic, and French fluently.
