Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan joined the UAE Cabinet on 9 February 2006, assuming the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs. His responsibilities have centered on leading the UAE’s foreign policy, strengthening bilateral relations with international partners, and promoting the UAE’s position as a leader across various sectors.

In mid-2024, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in addition to his duties as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He continues to play a vital leadership role in reinforcing the UAE’s influence regionally and globally. His Highness also holds several key positions, including:

• Member of the Supreme National Security Council
• Deputy Chair of the Permanent Committee for Borders
• Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy
• Chairman of the Board of the Emirates Foundation
• Vice Chairman of the Board of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah also chairs the Education, Human Development, and Community Council and contributes actively to financial and economic policy through his role on the Financial and Economic Committee. He leads the Higher Committee overseeing the National Strategy to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, and he chaired the UAE’s preparations for hosting COP28 in 2023. Additionally, he serves as Chairman of the UAE Council for Research and Development and Vice Chairman of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council—demonstrating his commitment to sustainable development, the empowerment of national talent, and the enhancement of the UAE’s global competitiveness.

He regularly represents the UAE at major regional and international conferences and meetings, and has launched key initiatives and forums such as the Sir Bani Yas Forum and the Global Forum on Diplomatic Relations between the Arab World, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah has also significantly strengthened the UAE’s relations with countries in Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, leading to the signing of several new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements. Notably, he played a central role in the historic Abraham Accords negotiations in Washington, D.C., in September 2020.

Earlier in his career, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah served as Minister of Information and Culture (1997–2006), Chairman of the Emirates Media Incorporated, President of the UAE Football Association (1993–2001), and Undersecretary at the Ministry of Information and Culture (1995–1997). He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the United Arab Emirates University.