Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates
Background
Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and is one of the country’s deputy prime ministers. In this role, he is responsible for directing the UAE’s external relations, representing the state in diplomatic contacts, and coordinating positions on regional and international issues. He matters in Russian affairs as the Emirati counterpart in high-level bilateral diplomacy, including telephone consultations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on regional security and de-escalation around Iran.
Born on 30 April 1972, Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is an Emirati politician and a member of the ruling Al Nahyan family. He is the ninth son of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates. He was appointed foreign minister in 2006 and later became one of four deputy prime ministers of the UAE in 2009.
He is associated with several major foreign-policy developments of the UAE in recent years, including the 2020 signing of the Abraham Accords on behalf of the country. His long tenure has made him a central figure in the UAE’s diplomatic engagement with major powers and regional actors. In dealings with Russia, his role has centered on official consultations over Middle East stability, multilateral coordination, and broader regional security questions.
Timeline
He called for immediate de-escalation around Iran during a telephone conversation with Sergey Lavrov.
Press Release: On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Abdullah bin ZayedHe agreed to coordinate the UAE’s position with Russia at the United Nations on long-term regional security.
Press Release: On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Abdullah bin Zayed
Documents
Press Release: On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Abdullah bin Zayed
Lavrov and UAE Foreign Minister bin Zayed called for immediate de-escalation around Iran and agreed to coordinate positions at the UN on long-term regional security.