H.H. Sheikh Abdullah was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in mid-2024 in addition to his duties as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He plays a vital leadership role in reinforcing the UAE’s influence regionally and globally. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah also chairs the Education, Human Development, and Community Council and contributes actively to financial and economic policy through his role on the Financial and Economic Committee. He leads the Higher Committee overseeing the National Strategy to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, and he chaired the UAE’s preparations for hosting COP28 in 2023. Additionally, he serves as Chairman of the UAE Council for Research and Development and Vice Chairman of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council.
Earlier in his career, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah served as Minister of Information and Culture (1997–2006), Chairman of the Emirates Media Incorporated, President of the UAE Football Association (1993–2001), and Undersecretary at the Ministry of Information and Culture (1995–1997). He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the United Arab Emirates University.