Mashable: Sheikh Mohammed announces the formation of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, renamed the Ministry of Economy, and unveils a sweeping AI initiative to enhance federal decision-making starting in 2026.

In a major shakeup aimed at future-proofing governance, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, announced the establishment of a new ministry and a transformative AI initiative in the federal government.

The announcement, made via Sheikh Mohammed’s official X account, follows consultation and approval from the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “Brothers and sisters, after consulting with my brother, the President of the State, may God protect him, and after his approval, we announce today some changes in the UAE government as follows: The Ministry of Foreign Trade was established in the UAE government, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi was appointed Minister of Foreign Trade, and the name of the Ministry of Economy was changed to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, headed by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri,” read the announcement.

The new Ministry of Foreign Trade will focus on expanding global trade partnerships and advancing the UAE’s competitiveness on the international economic stage. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, who previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Trade, now takes on an elevated role as its head.

الإخوة والأخوات .. بعد التشاور مع أخي رئيس الدولة حفظه الله واعتماده .. نعلن اليوم عن بعض التغييرات في حكومة دولة الإمارات كالتالي :

إنشاء وزارة للتجارة الخارجية في حكومة الإمارات وتعيين الدكتور ثاني الزيودي وزيراً للتجارة الخارجية، وتغيير اسم وزارة الاقتصاد لتكون وزارة…

In tandem, the Ministry of Economy will be renamed the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, with Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri continuing to lead. The move reflects tourism’s growing contribution to the national economy and the government’s emphasis on integrating economic and tourism strategies.

Perhaps the most groundbreaking announcement, however, was the formal introduction of artificial intelligence into the heart of governance: “We also announce that the National Artificial Intelligence System will be adopted as an advisory member of the Cabinet, the Ministerial Development Council, and all boards of directors of federal entities and government companies, starting in January 2026.”

This AI system will support decision-making processes, conduct real-time analysis, provide technical counsel, and boost the effectiveness of policy implementation across sectors. “The world is going through a comprehensive restructuring phase... scientifically, economically, and socially... and our goal is to prepare today for the coming decades... Our goal is to ensure continued prosperity and a decent life for future generations.”

With these changes, the UAE reinforces its commitment to innovation, global leadership, and long-term national resilience.