His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates on the 9th of February, 2006. His Highness’ role is to lead on the foreign policy of the UAE, and to enhance the UAE’s bilateral relationships with international partners, while promoting the UAE as a regional and global leader in a wide variety of fields.
His Highness is also a member of the UAE’s National Security Council, Deputy Chairman of the UAE’s Permanent Committee on Borders, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), Chairman of the Education and Human Resources Council, Member of the Financial and Economic Committee, Chairman of the Higher Committee Overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, Chairman of the Higher Committee responsible for preparations of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28 UAE), Chairman of the Emirates Council for Research and Development, and Deputy Chairman of the Competitiveness of Emirati Cadres.
Moreover, His Highness represents the UAE at regional and international conferences and meetings. He has inaugurated strategic international fora such as Sir Bani Yas Forum and the Global Forum on Relationships between the Arab World, Latin America and the Caribbean.
His Highness guided the rapid expansion of diplomatic links with countries in Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Latin America, which in recent times has seen the signing of new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with a diverse range of nations. His Highness also led talks on the historic agreement and establishment of the diplomatic relations with Israel, signing the Abraham Accords at the White House in Washington DC in September 2020.
His Highness holds a degree in Political Science from UAE University. He was appointed Minister of Information and Culture in 1997, a post that he held until 2006. He served as Chairman of Emirates Media Incorporated, Chairman of the UAE Football Association (1993 – 2001), and as the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Culture from 1995 to 1997.
He was born in Abu Dhabi on the 30th of April, 1972. He is an avid reader, a student of history, and a keen sportsman particularly interested in scuba diving. He also enjoys classical music and listening to Umm Kulthum and Fairuz.
His Highness is married to Her Highness Sheikha Alyazia bint Saif Al Nahyan and has five children: Fatima, Mohammad, Zayed, Saif and Theyab.
