Sheikh Mohammed approves new Union Export Credit board chaired by Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi
Sheikh Mohammed has approved a new board for Union Export Credit Company led by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi to strengthen UAE export finance and non oil trade.
The Cabinet-level decision by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reconstitutes the board of Union Export Credit Company with Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi appointed as chair. The move aims to accelerate policy development and expand support for Emirati exporters, aligning the company with national targets for non oil trade growth. Union Export Credit will work to increase access to export finance, insure shipments and catalyse cross border trade partnerships.
Presidential approval and official mandate
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued the approval to reform the company board under a formal decree. The reconstitution reflects the federal leaderships focus on coordinating public and private institutions to boost the UAEs external trade performance.
The mandate given to the new board includes updating corporate policies, enhancing export credit solutions and ensuring the company contributes to broader economic diversification goals. Officials described the change as timely given rising global trade opportunities and the UAEs ambition to scale non oil exports.
New chair and leadership responsibilities
Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi will lead the board as chair while continuing his role as Minister of Foreign Trade. Under his chairmanship the board is expected to set strategic direction for risk management, product development and international partnerships.
Dr Thani has underscored that the board will prioritise enabling Emirati companies to enter new markets and improve the conditions for trade finance. He framed the reconstitution as part of a national effort to embed the UAE among leading regional hubs for trade and re export.
Board composition and sector expertise
The reconstituted board brings together senior officials and private sector executives across finance, investment and trade institutions. Members include Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi chief executive of Emirates Development Bank and Khalil Fadel Al Mansouri chief executive of Abu Dhabi Exports Office.
Other appointees are Mohammed Ali Al Kamali head of trade and industry at Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mohammed Sharaf director of investment attraction operations at Dubai Economy and Tourism, and Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nuaimi director general of Ajman Port and Customs. The board also includes Sheikh Omar bin Saqr Al Qasimi from Ras Al Khaimah, Mariam Abdullah Al Matroushi from Fujairah government finance, and senior bankers and insurers from HSBC, Standard Chartered, Orient Insurance and Coface.
CEO statement on strategic direction
Rajaa Al Mazrouei chief executive of Union Export Credit welcomed the board changes and highlighted the mix of public and private sector expertise. She said the new board will help the company strengthen its export credit offerings and support national targets for sustainable economic growth.
Al Mazrouei indicated the company will focus on enhancing insurance and financing solutions that de risk cross border transactions for Emirati exporters. She added that close coordination with federal and emirate level trade agencies will be central to scaling services and reaching new regional and global markets.
Planned programmes and international partnerships
The board is expected to prioritise partnerships with global export credit agencies and trade finance institutions to expand the companys capacity. Officials noted efforts will include product innovation for small and medium sized exporters educational outreach and streamlined credit assessment procedures.
By deepening ties with commercial banks and insurers the company aims to offer more competitive facilities and policies that encourage private sector exporters to pursue larger, longer term contracts abroad. The strategy also contemplates tailored support for sectors identified in national economic targets as priorities for diversification.
Anticipated impact on UAE non oil trade
Policy makers say the board reshuffle should accelerate the development of targeted trade finance instruments that reduce barriers for Emirati companies. Enhanced export credit and insurance mechanisms are expected to improve liquidity, lower transaction risk and open pathways for exporters in manufacturing agribusiness and advanced services.
The move aligns with the UAEs broader economic agenda to increase the share of non oil exports in gross domestic product and to strengthen the nations role as a regional trade hub. Observers expect the new board to play a catalytic role in mobilising public and private resources behind that agenda.
The reconstitution of the Union Export Credit board places a mix of governmental and industry leadership at the centre of efforts to scale the UAEs export capabilities. With Dr Thani leading a diverse board and executive management focused on product development and partnership building the company is positioned to expand support for exporters and contribute to the nations non oil trade ambitions.