H.E. Dr. Alanoud Abdulla Alhaj Al Ali

Dr. Alanoud Abdulla Alhaj Al Ali serves as the Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Green Development and Climate Change Sector at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. In this capacity, she leads the implementation of the UAE's strategic directives concerning climate action and environmental initiatives, aligning with the nation's ambitious vision for sustainable development and climate neutrality by 2050. Dr. Alhaj brings over fifteen years of extensive experience across both government and private sectors. Her distinguished career blends expertise in science, environment, economics, diplomacy, management, and innovation. This diverse background has equipped her with profound knowledge in developing and assessing policy and legislative impact, directly supporting her current efforts to enhance the nation's standing in global environmental indices. Dr. Alhaj's current responsibilities encompass nationally significant initiatives, including the UAE's Green Agenda, the National Air Quality Strategy, and frameworks for green development and environmental governance. She also leads the development of critical climate action legislations, such as the Federal Decree-Law on the Reduction of Climate Change Effects and the Federal Law Concerning the Protection and Development of the Environment, alongside overseeing the first national inventory of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, she holds leadership and membership roles on various committees and task forces integral to the sector, including those preparing international reports aimed at showcasing UAE’s efforts on Climate Action and Green Development topics, the National Carbon Pricing Committee, and working groups dedicated to data, artificial intelligence, and innovation. Prior to joining the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Alhaj held important positions, including Director of the Education Policy Department at the Ministry of Education, where she contributed to national legislation and policies in higher and general education. She also served as Director of Public Policy Research at the Federal Demographic Council, leading numerous in-depth strategic studies. Her private sector background, notably with the Emirates Group, involved enhancing profitability through quantitative analysis and customer experience development. During her tenure at The George Washington University, Dr. Alhaj was appointed as a researcher in molecular biology laboratories focusing on protein-protein interaction in cancer cells. Dr. Alhaj holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the British University in Dubai and a Diploma in Innovation in the Public Sector from the University of Cambridge. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah, a Master of Science in Genomics and Bioinformatics, and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from The George Washington University.