H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Appoints Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy

As part of the UAE’s efforts to foster cooperation between government and business to advance sustainable development and global prosperity, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has appointed His Excellency Badr Jafar as Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy. This appointment reflects the UAE’s forward-looking approach to engage with international forums. 

The UAE has long championed a pioneering model where business, investment and philanthropy collaborate. Today, the UAE stands among the world’s fastest-growing economies, as its non-oil sectors achieved an increase of 4.5% during the first nine months of 2024, representing 74.6% of real GDP. This is a testament to its robust private sector, thriving innovation and competitive ecosystem, and reflects the UAE’s commitment to economic diversification.

In 2024, the UAE ranked 9th globally in the World Giving Index, demonstrating its leading role - grounded in core values and strategic alliances - and highlighting the importance of leveraging partnerships to drive economic growth and societal benefit. 

As Special Envoy, H.E. Badr Jafar will work to strengthen the UAE’s engagement with global business and philanthropic communities, enhancing the role of the private sector in addressing shared global priorities. By fostering significant partnerships and unlocking new avenues for investment and innovation, this role reinforces the UAE’s position as a dynamic hub for economic diplomacy, sustainable finance, and social progress, reflecting the country’s belief in the importance of cooperation, future vision and shared responsibilities, and aligned with the strategic vision of the ‘UAE Centennial 2071’. 

In this regard, H.E. Badr Jafar said: "I am deeply honored to serve as Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, a role that embodies our nation’s unwavering commitment to multi-stakeholder collaboration. The global challenges we face demand bold solutions and collective action. By bridging the efforts of government, business and philanthropy, we can accelerate sustainable development and create lasting prosperity for all.”

The UAE continues its efforts to promote sustainable economic development, aiming to double its GDP to AED 3 trillion (USD 817 billion) by the next decade, in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. With a proven track record of leading global partnerships, the UAE remains steadfast in its mission to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

About the Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy

The appointment by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, of a Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy strengthens the country’s diplomatic influence by integrating business and philanthropy into its global engagements. This champions a diplomacy-driven approach that leverages the power of multi-stakeholder partnerships to drive sustainable impact and shared prosperity.

Strategic Objectives:
1. CONNECTING: Facilitating engagement and coordination between the private sector and governmental entities in the UAE, and with the private sector internationally.
2. MOBILIZING: Enabling business and philanthropy stakeholders to support the UAE’s diplomatic and strategic objectives.
3. ADVOCATING: Promoting common understanding of the importance of public, private, and philanthropic coordination and collaboration and the opportunities that exist to put it into practice.

The Special Envoy’s mandate embodies the principles outlined in the UAE's national visions, including 'We the UAE 2031' vision and 'Centennial 2071,' aiming to position the UAE as a global leader in economic influence and philanthropic endeavours.