| Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi |
| Profession | Politician |
| Physical Stats | |
| Height (approx.) | 5' 9" (175 cm) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Politics | |
| Political Journey | • 2010-2016: Served as the Director of the Department of Energy & Climate Change at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs • 2010-2017: Served as UAE's Permanent Representative (Extraordinary Ambassador) to IRENA, helping secure Abu Dhabi as its HQ in 2009 • 2016-2020: Served as the Minister of Climate Change & Environment • 2020-2025: Served as the Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Minister-in-Charge of Talent Attraction and Retention • 2025: Appointed as the Minister of Foreign Trade |
| Award, Honour | • Sheikh Rashid Award for Scientific Excellence for his PhD achievements • Honored with the GCC Prize for Excellence in Renewable Energy (2015) • Named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader (2020) |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 1 October 1982 (Friday) |
| Age (as of 2024) | 42 Years |
| Zodiac sign | Libra |
| Nationality | Emirati |
| School | Saad Bin Abee Waqas- High School (1999-2001) |
| College/University | • University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma (2001-2004) • New York Institute of Technology, New York (2006) • British University in Dubai (2007-2012) • Skema Business School (2008-2012) |
| Educational Qualification(s) | • Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BASc) in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Tulsa • A Master's Degree in Business Administration and Management from New York Institute of Technology • A Master's Degree in Project Management from the British University in Dubai • A Doctor of Philosophy (Phd) in Strategy, Programme & Project Management from Skema Business School |
| Religion | Islam |
| Food Habit | Non-vegetarian |
| Social Media | • Instagram |
Some Lesser Known Facts About Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi
- Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi grew up in a Muslim family in the United Arab Emirates.
- Thani began his career as a Petroleum Engineer at ADMA-OPCO in 2004. After working as a Petroleum Engineer for about a year, Ahmed began working as a Reservoir Engineer at the company. He quit the company in 2007.
- In 2007, Thani joined Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) as a Project Engineer. There, he worked on CDM Project Development for about 2 years.
- In 2009, he was promoted to the position of IRENA Department Manager. As the manager, he led and managed the establishment of the Directorate of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) within the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He played a pivotal role in securing Abu Dhabi as IRENA’s headquarters.
Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi during a meeting
- In 2010, Thani was appointed as the Director of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the United Arab Emirates. In the capacity of UAE Extraordinary Ambassador Plenipotentiary, Ahmed oversaw the development and implementation of national and international policies on sustainable development, climate change, and renewable energy. He held the position for 6 years.
Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi as UAE Ambassador- presenting Credentials to the President of Ecuador
- From October 2013 to October 2016, Thani Ahmed served as the permanent representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. He was UAE’s first official representative to IRENA.
- Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi was appointed as the Minister of Climate Change and Environment in February 2016. He held the post till July 2020. As the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Thani was instrumental in elevating the UAE’s global presence and contributions in climate mitigation and adaptation. He also implemented the UAE’s national strategies for environment, climate action, agriculture, fisheries, desertification, and biodiversity.
- From July 2020 to June 2025, Thani Ahmed served as the Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Minister-in-Charge of Talent Attraction and Retention under the Ministry of Economy, UAE. He was in charge of talent attraction and retention strategies, bolstering the country’s capacity to import strategic skills.
Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in his office
- In February 2024, Thani Chaired the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, delivering the “Abu Dhabi Declaration” promoting open, rules-based trade.
- He also looked after entities like the Emirates Drug Establishment, Industry Development Council, Etihad Credit Insurance Board, and COP28’s Supreme Committee member.
- Since August 2024, Thani Ahmed has been serving as Executive Chairman of Rorix Holdings under IHC, focusing on trade finance, commodities, consulting, and trade risk solutions.
- In June 2025, Thani was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Trade in the United Arab Emirates.
Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi as the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade
- As the Minister of Foreign Trade, His Excellency Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi led the development and expansion of the country’s non-oil foreign trade, forged new global partnerships, and increased export volumes. He also enhanced national polices and measures to enable increased inflows of foreign direct investment to the UAE.
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