Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri is an influential Emirati politician currently serving as the United Arab Emirates’ Minister of Economy, a position he has held since July 2020. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the UAE’s economic diversification, driving investment, and positioning the country as a global economic hub.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1982, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri pursued his higher education in the United Kingdom. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Sheffield in 2005. Additionally, he is a graduate of the UAE Government Leaders Program and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development, both of which have shaped his approach to governance and strategic economic planning.
Career in Public Service
Al Marri’s journey in public service began in 2007 when he joined the Prime Minister’s Office. Over the years, he held several prominent positions, including:
- Director General of the Executive Office
- CEO and Cabinet Member of the Dubai Future Foundation
- Secretary-General of the UAE Cabinet (appointed in October 2017)
Apart from his ministerial role, he serves as Chairman of multiple key organizations, such as the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Securities and Commodities Authority, Etihad Credit Insurance, the UAE International Investors Council, and the CSR UAE Fund’s Board of Trustees.
Economic Leadership and Vision
As Minister of Economy, Al Marri has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at reducing the UAE’s dependence on oil and enhancing economic diversification. He has emphasized the country’s stability, openness, and innovative leadership in attracting foreign investments. In a 2024 interview, he highlighted the UAE’s strategic location as a crucial hub for global trade and supply chain reengineering.
Under his leadership, the UAE has achieved significant economic milestones:
- In 2022, the GDP was estimated at AED 1.62 trillion at constant prices, reflecting a 7.9% growth, and AED 1.86 trillion at current prices, marking a 22.1% increase from the previous year.
- Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reached AED 84 billion ($23 billion) in 2022, the highest in the country’s history, representing a 10% increase from the previous year.
Transforming the Food and Agriculture Sector
In addition to economic reforms, Al Marri has played a crucial role in reshaping the UAE’s food and agriculture sector. He introduced strategies to boost the sector’s GDP contribution by $10 billion and create 20,000 jobs within five years. His approach includes:
- Encouraging local innovation in agricultural technologies
- Fostering a “UAE-first” culture in the food supply chain
- Providing support for farmers to enhance food sustainability and security
International Relations and Digital Economy Initiatives
Al Marri has actively participated in international forums to strengthen the UAE’s global economic partnerships. In October 2020, he was part of the first UAE delegation to Israel following the normalization of relations between the two nations, paving the way for stronger trade and investment ties.
Furthermore, he has been at the forefront of the UAE’s digital transformation, advocating for high-tech investments to create a new economic development model driven by innovation and technology.
Conclusion
Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri’s visionary leadership continues to shape the UAE’s economic future. His efforts in economic diversification, investment attraction, and digital transformation are crucial in cementing the UAE’s status as a global business and trade hub. With his strategic approach and commitment to progress, the UAE is poised for sustained economic growth and global influence in the coming years.