UAE Appoints Ahmed Al Sayegh as Minister of Health and Prevention
The United Arab Emirates has announced an important leadership change in its healthcare sector. Ahmed Al Sayegh has been appointed as the new Minister of Health and Prevention. He takes over from Abdulrahman Al Owais, who served in this position for many years. This decision highlights the country’s focus on building a stronger and more modern healthcare system.
A Cabinet Reshuffle Focused on Healthcare
The announcement was made on Monday by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai. The appointment was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE.
Abdulrahman Al Owais, who guided the UAE’s health sector through many challenges, will now serve as Minister of State for Federal National Council (FNC) Affairs. During his years of service, he helped improve hospitals, expand health services, and introduce digital healthcare initiatives.
Sheikh Mohammed thanked Al Owais for his efforts and praised his leadership. He also wished both ministers success in their new roles.
Who Is Ahmed Al Sayegh?
Ahmed Al Sayegh has built a long career in government, business, and diplomacy. Since September 2018, he has served as Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His work focused on:
- Leading the UAE’s economic diversification strategy
- Strengthening ties with Asian nations and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
- Expanding international trade and investment opportunities
These experiences have given him strong skills in leadership, strategy, and global collaboration. His appointment to the Ministry of Health shows the UAE’s plan to connect healthcare with innovation, sustainability, and international partnerships.
Key Leadership Roles of Ahmed Al Sayegh
Throughout his career, Al Sayegh has held many important positions. These roles highlight his ability to manage complex organizations and drive growth. Some of his most notable positions include:
- Board Member and Executive Committee Member at ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company)
- Board Member at Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)
- Vice Chairman of Emirates Nature–WWF
- Co-Chair of the UAE–UK Business Council
He has also served as:
- Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), helping position Abu Dhabi as a global financial hub
- Chairman of Aldar Properties, one of the UAE’s top real estate developers
- Chairman of Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), leading renewable energy projects
- Board Member at Etihad Airways, Mubadala, and First Gulf Bank
His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in economics from Lewis & Clark College in the United States. This strong foundation supports his vision for building sustainable and successful institutions.
What This Appointment Means for the UAE’s Health Sector
The healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing areas in the UAE. With more people seeking advanced medical care and with global recognition of the country’s healthcare standards, the timing of this appointment is important. Ahmed Al Sayegh is expected to bring fresh ideas that will connect healthcare with innovation, investment, and sustainability.
1. Driving Healthcare Investments
With his experience in managing large organizations like ADNOC and ADFD, Al Sayegh is likely to focus on boosting investments in healthcare. This may include:
- Building advanced hospitals and clinics
- Expanding medical research centers
- Supporting digital health platforms and AI-based technologies
- Encouraging biotechnology and genomics projects
2. Building International Healthcare Partnerships
Al Sayegh’s strong global connections will help the UAE create new healthcare partnerships. These may include joint medical research programs, training exchanges for doctors, and agreements with international pharmaceutical companies.
3. Promoting Green and Sustainable Healthcare
His work with Emirates Nature–WWF and Masdar shows his commitment to sustainability. This could lead to:
- Eco-friendly hospital construction
- Use of renewable energy in healthcare facilities
- Environmentally responsible medical supply chains
4. Expanding Digital Healthcare
The UAE is already a leader in smart government projects. Under Al Sayegh, healthcare may see:
- More telemedicine services for patients
- Use of AI in medical diagnosis
- A unified digital health record system
- Public awareness programs promoting preventive healthcare
5. Balancing Tradition with Innovation
Abdulrahman Al Owais laid a strong foundation by improving healthcare access and managing crises such as COVID-19. Ahmed Al Sayegh is expected to build on this base by adding innovation, economic insight, and global best practices.
Why This Change Is Important
This appointment is more than just a cabinet reshuffle. It reflects the UAE’s vision for the future. Healthcare is not only about hospitals and doctors. It is also about technology, investment, sustainability, and international cooperation.
By bringing a leader with wide experience in diplomacy, economics, and sustainability, the UAE is signaling that healthcare will play a central role in the country’s growth. The aim is to make the UAE not just a regional leader in healthcare but also a global example of innovation and excellence.
