His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais serves as the Minister of Health and Prevention of the United Arab Emirates. His responsibilities include the development and implementation of policies and regulations aimed at advancing healthcare services, protecting and safeguarding public health, and regulating the healthcare sector.
His Excellency joined the UAE federal government in 2006 as Minister of Culture, Youth, and Community Development. In 2011, he assumed the role of Acting Minister of Health in addition to his existing portfolio until 2013, when he was officially appointed Minister of Health. In February 2016, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Health and Prevention following a cabinet reshuffle, expanding his mandate to focus more on disease prevention alongside healthcare sector regulation. He has also served as Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs since October 2017, following the cabinet reshuffle.
In addition to his ministerial duties, His Excellency holds several prominent positions in governmental and institutional bodies:
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Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.
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Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences.
He is also a member of various councils and boards, including:
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Member of the Board of Trustees of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation since 1992.
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Member of the Board of the Frontline Heroes Office.
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Member of the UAE Genome Program Council.
His Excellency was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Sharjah in June 2020, by a decree from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. In March 2022, he received the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Distinguished Government Performance, which is awarded to exceptional Emiratis who have made notable contributions to the UAE and left a positive impact on society.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Information Systems from the United Arab Emirates University, earned in 1989.
His Excellency is deeply passionate about various forms of cultural and artistic expression, including photography, Arabic calligraphy, poetry writing, and modern Arab visual arts.
