Saqr Ghobash

Saqr Ghobash is the current Minister of Labour and the former Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States of America and to Mexico since March 2006.

Before assuming his post of ambassadorship, Saqr was the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Information and Culture for eight years where his roles and responsibilities included, amongst others, endorsing mechanisms that better protect intellectual property in the UAE and promoting the country’s cultural dynamism.

His professional background, however, resides largely in the Ministry of Interior where he served for over 25 years, first beginning as a police officer in 1973. Many projects can be attributed to his direct involvement and leadership, such as the innovative Digital Finger Printing which is now widely used in the UAE. For both the ministries that Saqr served, his portfolio included a policy front as well as an implementation one. On a policy level, Saqr was involved in drafting laws related to the specific departments in question. He was also heavily engaged in its execution. Saqr also took the lead in a critical government initiative involving the National Identification Card, similar in nature to the social security card.

In addition, Saqr founded the Police College in Abu Dhabi in 1985 and since then, almost 3500 officers have graduated from those premises. Saqr was also the deputy chief of the UAE Football Association. During his service, the UAE National Team qualified for the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

Many countries in the Arab and Muslim world are faced with challenges both domestic and international. In a rapidly changing global environment, the need for dialogue and exchange has not been greater. In his role as Ambassador to the UAE in Washington DC, Saqr strives to further engage with colleagues, not only in the Washington community, but beyond that as well. During his term, he looks forward to fostering strong relations with his counterparts, learn more about American values and customs, and educate the wider community about the UAE. He looks forward to this promising path.

Saqr graduated from the UAE University in 1986 where his academic background focused on the disciples of management and business. He has also been an active participant in several leadership courses at Harvard University.