UAE Unveils Foreign Trade Ministry, Adds AI to Boost Government Decisions

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, announced the formation of a new Ministry of Foreign Trade and the renaming of the Ministry of Economy, signaling a bold new direction for the country's economic and technological future.

The announcement, made on Friday, outlines a strategic vision for the UAE to prepare for a rapidly evolving global landscape. Aimed at enhancing trade, tourism, and AI governance, the changes are designed to future-proof the nation’s development.

New Ministry of Foreign Trade Established

The newly established Ministry of Foreign Trade will be headed by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, who previously oversaw foreign trade as a Minister of State. The formation of a standalone ministry underscores the UAE’s intensified focus on expanding global trade partnerships and boosting non-oil exports.

The UAE has emerged as one of the world's leading trade and investment hubs, with non-oil foreign trade reaching a record $859 billion in 2023. The creation of a dedicated foreign trade ministry is expected to further strengthen the country’s ability to negotiate comprehensive economic partnerships and enhance its influence in global markets.

Ministry of Economy Now Includes Tourism

The Ministry of Economy has been officially renamed the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and will continue under the leadership of Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri. The move recognizes the vital role tourism plays in the national economy, contributing approximately $47.5 billion (AED 174.5 billion) to the UAE's GDP in 2023, with targets to reach $122 billion by 2031.

This integration of tourism within the economic portfolio aims to create a more cohesive policy framework that supports sustainable growth, job creation, and diversification away from hydrocarbons.

National AI System to Advise Cabinet by 2026

Perhaps most notably, Sheikh Mohammed announced that the National Artificial Intelligence System will join the UAE Cabinet, Ministerial Development Council, and the boards of all federal entities and government companies as an advisory member starting January 2026.

This move places the UAE among the first nations globally to formalize the role of artificial intelligence in high-level government decision-making. The AI system will provide real-time policy analysis, technical recommendations, and predictive modeling to enhance governance efficiency and long-term strategic planning.

“Our goal is to support decision-making in these councils, conduct immediate analyses of their decisions, provide technical advice, and enhance the efficiency of government policies adopted by these councils across all sectors,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Sheikh Mohammed described the global landscape as undergoing “a comprehensive restructuring phase... scientifically, economically, and socially,” adding that the UAE’s reforms aim to secure continued prosperity and ensure a dignified life for future generations.

The structural changes align with the UAE’s overarching development strategies, such as the UAE Centennial 2071 and the National AI Strategy 2031, reinforcing the nation's commitment to innovation, economic resilience, and forward-thinking governance.

As the UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for business, tourism, and advanced technologies, the creation of these new frameworks sets a dynamic foundation for the decades ahead.