- UAE announces the creation of a new Ministry of Foreign Trade, with Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi appointed as its head to strengthen global trade presence.
- The existing Ministry of Economy will be renamed Ministry of Economy and Tourism, consolidating strategic sectors under a new administration.
- Sheikh Mohammed also unveils a National AI System to advise the government from January 2026, aiming to enhance policy-making, efficiency, and economic competitiveness.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the creation of a new Ministry of Foreign Trade as part of a sweeping government reshuffle aimed at boosting the country’s global economic presence. The UAE’s Ministry of Economy will be renamed the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, consolidating priorities under a fresh administrative structure.
He also appointed Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi to lead the new Foreign Trade ministry, underscoring a strategic push to deepen international trade and strengthen the nation’s competitiveness on the world stage.
In a parallel move, Sheikh Mohammed revealed plans to integrate the National Artificial Intelligence System into the highest levels of government. From January 2026, the AI system will serve as a formal adviser to the Cabinet, the Ministerial Development Council, and the boards of all federal entities and government-owned companies.
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The intention is to leverage real-time data, analytics, and cutting-edge technology in shaping public policies, enhancing decision-making processes, and driving efficiency across every sector. The new ministry comes on the heels of a landmark year for UAE trade. The country’s foreign-trade volume reached AED 3 trillion in 2024, representing a staggering 14.6 percent growth year-on-year seven times the global average.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that this achievement is rooted in his government’s broader vision: to prepare today for the decades ahead, ensuring sustainable prosperity and a high quality of life for future generations. Underlining the urgency of these reforms, Sheikh Mohammed noted that the world is undergoing a profound transformation scientifically, economically, and socially and the UAE must adapt swiftly.
By creating a dedicated ministry for foreign trade, the government seeks not only to expand its trade footprint, but also to strengthen its role as a global hub for commerce, investment, and economic innovation. This reshuffle reflects a broader ambition: to propel the UAE’s economic diversification and smart governance agenda, making the country more resilient in an increasingly complex global landscape.
