ABOUT HASCA
International friendship.
Personal connections.
The Houston Abu Dhabi Sister City Association (HASCA) has historically operated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are finalizing our organizational filings.
Our mission is to build friendships, deepen cultural understanding, and encourage educational exchange between the people of Houston and Abu Dhabi. People and community are at the heart of our work, with business and professional connections supporting our broader purpose.
HASCA’s founding president, Ellen Goldberg, was a driving force in building the friendships and sustained civic effort that established Houston’s sister-city relationship with Abu Dhabi. Working with fellow founders and partners in both cities, she helped turn early connections into an association devoted to cultural understanding, education, and exchange.
Officers
Amey Prakash
President
Mei Frias
Secretary
OUR PEOPLE
HASCA Leadership
Ellen Goldberg
Vice President
Salim Lalany
Treasurer
At-Large Directors
David Godwin
At-Large Director
Ahmadullah Sediqi
At-Large Director
John Galiotos
At-Large Director
Loy Reyes
At-Large Director
Our Mission
To strengthen friendship and mutual understanding between the people of Houston and Abu Dhabi through cultural exchange, education, and business connections.
OUR PURPOSE
Friendship with purpose.
Our Vision
A lasting partnership between Houston and Abu Dhabi where people connect across cultures, learn from one another, and create shared opportunities for generations to come.
01
Culture & Community
Bring people together through culture, conversation, and community participation. Create space for friendships and a deeper understanding of each city.
Culture · Youth engagement · Friendship
02
Education &
Knowledge Exchange
Explore opportunities for educators, students, researchers, and healthcare professionals to learn from one another and identify common interests.
Learning · Research · Shared knowledge
03
Business &
Professional Connections
Connect professionals and organizations with interests in both cities. Build on a history of delegation visits and gatherings around the Offshore Technology Conference.
Introductions · Dialogue · Shared expertise
A relationship with roots.
1993
Early connections in Houston
An Abu Dhabi delegation visited Houston on September 23–25. Through the Greater Houston Partnership, Ellen Goldberg accompanied delegates at meetings and helped introduce them to Houston, beginning friendships that informed the later sister-city effort.
2001
A formal relationship and founding leadership
Houston City Council approved the sister-city relationship on March 7. HASCA’s August 6 organizational meeting elected Ellen Goldberg president, Nagib Mustafa vice president, and Sunil Sharma secretary, establishing its early leadership alongside a wider founding board.
2002
The agreement is signed
Ellen Goldberg joined Mayor Lee P. Brown’s UAE mission as HASCA president. Houston and Abu Dhabi signed the sister-city agreement on October 26. Her published account records the mayor recognizing her contribution during the ceremony.
The signed agreement names March 13, 2001 as its effective date, distinct from the Council vote and the signing ceremony.
2003
Ellen arranges a visit to tell Houston’s story
Ellen arranged the Houston program for Abu Dhabi Television’s June 15–21 visit. A State Department letter thanked her for interviews with civic, medical, and education leaders, community introductions, and her hands-on support throughout the visit.
2005
A growing community program
Ellen’s president’s report described HASCA’s OTC breakfast, youth art, children’s parade, and soccer activities. It also recognized the board members and volunteers whose work sustained these programs.
2014–2018
Continuing service through OTC gatherings
HASCA’s breakfast programs record Ellen presenting awards in 2014 and closing remarks in 2015. Coverage and programs also identify her participation as vice president in 2017 and 2018, alongside the association’s other leaders and partners.
Ellen Goldberg
and the founding of HASCA
Ellen Goldberg, founding president of HASCA.
Portrait from her author biography.
Ellen Goldberg with HASCA colleagues and Houston and Abu Dhabi officials after the 2002 sister-city signing.
HASCA archive.
Ellen Goldberg’s involvement in Houston’s relationship with Abu Dhabi began with personal connections. In 1993, through the Greater Houston Partnership, she accompanied visiting Abu Dhabi delegates to meetings and helped introduce them to Houston. She maintained those friendships and worked with civic and business partners to advance a formal sister-city relationship. Houston City Council approved the relationship in 2001; that August, HASCA’s organizational board elected her president.
As HASCA’s founding president, Ellen joined Mayor Lee P. Brown’s October 2002 mission to the UAE. Before the trip, she consulted Houston Community College, then presented information about its educational programs during the mission and participated in healthcare meetings. The sister-city agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi on October 26. In her published account, Ellen recalled Mayor Brown publicly recognizing her during the ceremony, following years of work to formalize the relationship.
Her service continued through practical exchanges. In 2003, she arranged the Houston program for an Abu Dhabi television crew, connecting its members with civic leaders, educators, physicians, and community representatives. The U.S. Department of State thanked her for the program and her extensive personal involvement. Later records document her continued service in cultural visits and HASCA’s OTC gatherings. Alongside fellow founders Nagib Mustafa and Sunil Sharma, the wider board, and partners in both cities, Ellen helped give the relationship continuity and a personal foundation.
EVENTS & GATHERINGS
Meet. Learn.
Connect.
Gather around shared interests, learn from one another, and build friendships between Houston and Abu Dhabi.
Upcoming events
Dates and details will appear here as events are confirmed. In the meantime, let us know if you would like to attend, volunteer, or suggest a gathering.
Express your interest using the Contact Us form below.
Be part of the next chapter.
Whether you live in Houston or Abu Dhabi, represent an organization, or simply want to contribute, we would like to hear from you.
Become a member
Connect your interests with opportunities to participate.
Volunteer your time
Help with programs, communications, and community activities.
Explore a partnership
Bring a community connection or an idea we can develop together.
Support the work
Discuss sponsorship or an in-kind contribution.