Ministry of Infrastructure Development (2013–2020)
Seven years that transformed federal infrastructure: the inter-emirate highway network, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, the Federal Transport Authority, and the Etihad Rail project.
Career
Career Timeline
1980s
Ministry of Electricity & Water
Director of Water Distribution, managing national water infrastructure during a formative era.
1993 – 2005
General Civil Aviation Authority
Engineering Director, leading the expansion of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports.
2005 – 2009
Abu Dhabi Residential Development Committee
Vice Chairman, master-planning residential compounds for UAE nationals.
2013 – 2020
Minister of Infrastructure Development
Federal minister for highways, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, and Etihad Rail.
2020 – 2021
Minister of Climate Change & Environment
Launched the UAE Environmental Policy and chaired the National Biosecurity Committee.
2021 – present
Emirates Scholar Center for Research & Studies
Chancellor of the Board of Trustees, overseeing research programmes and publications.
November 2023
Academic Honours
Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University and inaugural Senior Fellow at AUS.
December 2023 – present
Chairman, Sharjah Consultative Council
Unanimously elected for the 11th Legislative Term; Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science.
National Impact
Ministerial Legacy
Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (2020–2021)
Launched the eight-pillar UAE Environmental Policy, led the National Biosecurity Committee through COVID-19, and laid groundwork for the UAE's hosting of COP28.
The UAE Environmental Policy — Eight Pillars
1
Climate Change
2
Environmental Protection
3
Air Quality
4
Food Safety & Security
5
Sustainable Crop Production
6
Sustainable Livestock Production
7
Integrated Waste Management
8
Sound Chemicals Management
Foundations
Academic Formation
BSc Mechanical Engineering
University of Wisconsin–Madison · 1980
PhD Engineering Project Management
University of Reading, UK · 1990
Honorary Doctorate in Engineering
Heriot-Watt University Dubai · 2023
Senior Fellow — College of Engineering
American University of Sharjah · 2023
Recognition
Honours & Distinctions
Honorary Doctorate in Engineering
Heriot-Watt University Dubai, awarded ahead of COP28 for contributions to sustainability.
Senior Fellow — American University of Sharjah
The inaugural holder of a newly created distinction honouring exceptional service.
Fellow, World Academy of Art and Science
International election to one of the world's foremost interdisciplinary bodies.
Chairman, Sharjah Consultative Council
Unanimously elected by acclamation for the 11th Legislative Term.