Appointed in July 2020, Dr. Al Zeyoudi spearheads the UAE’s non‑oil foreign trade, negotiates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs), and oversees initiatives to attract global talent. Previously served as Minister of Climate Change and Environment (2016–2020), leading national strategies on climate action, agriculture, biodiversity, and desertification. Also represented the UAE as Permanent Representative to IRENA, worked at Masdar, and began his career as a petroleum engineer with ADMA‑OPCO.
Promoting Trade and CEPA Growth
Under his direction, the UAE inked 24 CEPAs, aiming to reach almost 2.5 billion people, after concluding its first one with India in May 2022. Oversaw the CEPA talks with important partners like Congo, Ukraine, and Turkey. The talks are currently being expanded to include Cambodia, Kenya, Thailand, Vietnam, and African blocs. UAE is a major hub for international trade by increasing non-oil exports by 50% by 2030.
Worldwide Presence & Acknowledgement
Chaired the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi (MC13) in 2024, delivering the landmark Abu Dhabi Declaration to uphold open, rules‑based trade. Named a 2020 Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum for contributions to environmental diplomacy.
Academic & Advisory Roles
Holds a BSc in Petroleum Engineering, an MBA from NYIT, another MBA in Project Management from BUiD, and a PhD in Strategy & Program Management from SKEMA Business School. Serves as Minister-in-Charge of Talent, Chair of the Emirates Drug Establishment, Vice-Chairman of the Industry Development Council, Deputy Chair of Etihad Credit Insurance, and a member of the COP28 Supreme Committee.
Why He Matters
Dr. Al Zeyoudi is a pivotal figure in advancing the UAE’s economic diversification, integrating trade expansion (via CEPAs) with investment attraction and international climate diplomacy—shaping the nation’s strategic economic future.
