UAE creates foreign trade ministry, prime minister says

The United Arab Emirates has announced the creation of a new Ministry of Foreign Trade, as part of its efforts to strengthen its position in the global economy and diversify its trade partnerships. 

The decision was revealed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.

Thani Al Zeyoudi, who currently serves as Minister of State for Foreign Trade, has been appointed to lead the newly established ministry. Sheikh Mohammed praised Al Zeyoudi’s work in expanding the UAE’s network of trade agreements and spearheading efforts to boost non-oil exports and attract international investment.

“The Ministry of Foreign Trade will play a central role in supporting our economic diplomacy, strengthening trade negotiations, and securing strategic agreements with global markets,” Sheikh Mohammed stated.

The move reflects the UAE’s ongoing focus on economic transformation through innovation, openness, and global integration. The country has signed several Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) in recent years with countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as part of its ambition to double the size of its economy by 2031.

Thani Al Zeyoudi’s appointment signals continuity and a clear mandate to accelerate these efforts under a dedicated institutional framework. The new ministry is expected to collaborate closely with existing economic and diplomatic bodies to position the UAE as a competitive, globally connected trade hub.