Dr Abdulla Al Mandous has been granted ministerial rank by federal decree. The Director General of the National Centre of Meteorology and president of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) received the appointment as the UAE faces shifting climate patterns.
Strategic climate focus
The move adds high-level expertise to the government's decision-making on weather and climate. Al Mandous told The National his appointment reflects the deep commitment to climate issues the UAE has maintained for years. He noted the National Centre of Meteorology has delivered precise forecasting to support the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management system.
The Climate Change and Environment brief remains overseen by cabinet member Dr Amna Al Dahak. She has recently focused on strengthening homegrown food production as part of a broader preparedness plan.
not waiting for a crisis to happen to design our strategy
— Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment
Recent weather extremes
The appointment follows a period of notable weather activity. Temperatures were forecast to hit 48°C in parts of Abu Dhabi emirate recently. The UAE also experienced intense wet weather in March and April, two years after the exceptional 2024 storms brought the heaviest rainfall for generations.
The WMO confirmed last year was among the three hottest on record globally. Forecasters have pointed to the possibility of further extreme weather phases worldwide.
AI and innovation
Al Mandous aims to position the country as a centre for climate innovation. He plans to further integrate artificial intelligence and advanced technologies into the meteorological framework.
This approach mirrors the UAE's 2017 appointment of Omar Al Olama as Minister of State for AI. That role later expanded to include Digital Economy and remote work. The early focus on AI is now viewed as a far-sighted move in the mid-2020s.
Global precedents
Dedicated ministerial roles for weather are rare globally. Most countries house these duties within broader environmental agencies. The UK briefly appointed Denis Howell as minister for drought during a severe water shortage 50 years ago. He was nicknamed the "rain minister" after his appointment coincided with prolonged rainfall.
The UAE's latest appointment signals a continued focus on data-driven forecasting and analytical management within the government structure.
