His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates on the 9th of February, 2006. The ministry’s role focuses on maintaining clear political positions that support the UAE’s relationships with its regional and international partners while promoting the UAE as a regional leader in different fields. Also, as foreign minister, he focuses on establishing specialized diplomatic capabilities and encouraging political talents to address international concerns and provide distinct consular and other services in looking after UAE nationals and the issues they may face during their travels.
He 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 Emirates 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), Board Member of the National Defense College, Chairman of the Education and Human Resources Council, Chairman of the Supreme National Committee of the Year of Tolerance, Member of the Financial and Economic Committee, and Chairman of the Golden Jubilee celebrations committee.
He represents the UAE at Arab and international conferences and meetings. He launched important international forums like Sir Bani Yas Forum and Global Forum on Relationships between the Arab World, Latin America and the Caribbean.
He guided a rapid expansion of diplomatic links with countries in Latin America, South Pacific, sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia.
Sheikh Abdullah 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 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; an avid reader, a student of history, a keen sportsman particularly interested in scuba diving, football and cycling. He also enjoys classical music.
He is married to Her Highness Sheikha Alyazia bint Saif Al Nahyan and has five children: Fatima, Mohammad, Zayed, Saif and Theyab.
Since its founding on 2 December, 1971, the United Arab Emirates has embraced the principles of peaceful co-existence, mutual respect and non-interference in other countries internal affairs as cornerstones of the country’s foreign policy. Building on the legacy of the UAE founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, continues the journey by actively contributing to the welfare of nations regardless of colour, race or ethnicity. This trait stems from the profound Islamic beliefs in peace and tolerance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reflects the bright face and character of the UAE’s society. It serves as a window to the outside world, communicating the thoughts and vision of the UAE leadership, asserting the values of peaceful co-existence, and lending assistance to all those who might need it. Furthermore, the Ministry also the importance of attaining global peace and amicably resolving international disputes through dialogue and legal arbitratioin.
Through its embassies and diplomatic missions around the globe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation serves as the link between the wise leadership and people of the UAE and the rest of the world. The Ministry, strengthening friendship and closer ties with other nations, is working hard to safeguard the interests of Emiratis and promoting economic and cultural development and peace in the world. These efforts have earned UAE citizens considerable respect all around the world, and raised the image of the UAE on the regional and international stage.
The Ministry undertakes several responsibilities as stipulated by the constitution of the UAE and federal laws and in line with the country’s principles. As per Cabinet Resolution Number 6 of 2001 on organisational structure, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is mandated to carry out several tasks and special interests, including:
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, laid the country’s foreign policy cornerstones. He once said that, “The foreign policy of the UAE aims to support legitimate Arab and Islamic issues and interests and strengthen friendship and collaboration with all other countries, based on UN Conventions and internationally recognised morals and ethics. Our young country has achieved tremendous success on the international level, thanks to the noble and progressive principles our country has built. Our policy is based on the principles of legitimate rights, justice and peace, and is driven by our faith that peace is an urgent need for humanity.”