In 2014, the Council of Arab Ambassadors accredited in Mexico proposed holding an annual Arab Week to commemorate the founding of the Arab League.

Arab Week aims to demonstrate the importance Mexico and the Arab countries attach to strengthening their friendship, increasing economic and trade cooperation and expanding academic and cultural cooperation, in addition to giving a more objective picture of the Arab countries in Mexico and promoting the opportunities there to Mexican entrepreneurs.

Arab Week 2016 has special significance due to President Enrique Peña Nieto’s recently concluded and historic visit to the countries of the Arabian Peninsula in January, and because of the expectations created by last year’s event.

Foreign Secretary Claudia Ruiz Massieu inaugurated the event. The program includes a business forum to follow up on the agreements signed during the president’s visit and to inform Mexico’s business community about how to do business with the Arab countries and the opportunities available there. The program also includes activities with the Senate and academic conferences at the UNAM. There will also be an exhibit of photographs and Arab handicrafts on the first floor of the Foreign Ministry.