Meet Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Friday announced the establishment of the Ministry of Foreign Trade as part of a new Cabinet reshuffle, appointing Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi as its minister.

Sheikh Mohammed announced the new Cabinet changes through his official X account, as saying as: “Brothers and sisters, after consultation with my brother, the President of the UAE and with his approval, we announce today some changes to the structure of the UAE Cabinet, establishing a Ministry of Foreign Trade, with Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi appointed as its minister.”

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi served as the Minister of Climate Change and Environment from February 2016 to July 2020 and then he served as the Minister of State for Foreign Trade since July 2020. In this role, he is responsible for driving the growth of the country’s non-oil foreign trade, strengthening global trade partnerships, and increasing the volume of UAE exports.

He led the negotiations on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with key international partners. The strategic initiative aimed at boosting exports by at least 50 percent by 2030. The first of such landmark agreements was signed with India in May 2022.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi’s role in global trade diplomacy was further recognised through his appointment as Chairman of the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (MC13), hosted in Abu Dhabi in February 2024. Under his leadership, the conference successfully delivered the Abu Dhabi Declaration, a significant package of trade agreements promoting open, rules-based global commerce.

He also works to enhance the UAE’s investment climate and its standing as a leading destination for business and innovation. As Minister in Charge of Talent Attraction and Retention, he develops pathways and incentives to attract top global talent to support the country’s long-term economic goals.

In October 2023, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of the Emirates Drug Establishment, a federal body regulating the pharmaceutical and medical industries, promoting research and development, and ensuring the safety and availability of medical products.

He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Industry Development Council and chairs its Executive Committee. Additionally, he is Deputy Chairman of the Board of Etihad Credit Insurance and a member of the Supreme Committee for COP28, the UN’s decision-making body on climate change.

Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE.