The UAE is getting a standalone Foreign Trade Ministry, with Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi appointed as its minister, as part of a series of changes in government announced by Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, according to a Dubai Media Office statement. The changes come following consultations and approval from President Mohamed bin Zayed.

The ministry will lead negotiations for trade agreements and will focus on the development of exports, according to its page on LinkedIn.

ALSO- The Economy Ministry became the Economy and Tourism Ministry and remains under Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri’s leadership.

The government will also be tapping the National Artificial Intelligence System as an official advisory member to the Cabinet, Ministerial Development Council, and boards of all federal entities and government firms as of January 2026. It will provide real-time analysis and technical input to support policymaking and boost government efficiency.

IN OTHER MOVES-

Visa appointed Tareq Muhmood (LinkedIn) as its new regional president for Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA), the payment card services company said in a statement (pdf). Muhmood brings over 30 years of experience in banking and payments to the role, having most recently served as head of value-added services for Visa Europe. He takes over from Andrew Torre, who was tapped as president of Visa’s value-added services business.

What they said: “We are delighted to appoint a leader with Tareq’s deep experience at the intersection of financial services, technology and high growth markets to lead Visa’s fastest growing region and continue our journey to advance the future of digital payments across CEMEA,” Visa’s Group President of Global Markets Oliver Jenkyn said.

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