The decree by the president underscores the UAE’s practice of placing experienced national officers in pivotal administrative roles across federal institutions. Ali Abdullah bin Daan Al Ghafli will support operations at the ministry responsible for public safety, policing and emergency services nationwide. The Emirates News Agency detailed the federal decree in its announcement this week. WAM reported that the move aligns with ongoing efforts to bolster leadership within the security sector.
Al Ghafli has maintained a connection to the ministry’s general secretariat since early in his career. In 2012 he met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan after completing a doctorate with honors. The Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters stated that the discussion centered on Al Ghafli’s thesis concerning management development and models of government excellence. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed appreciation for the academic contributions of Emirati officers during that meeting.
The appointee graduated at the top of his class from the Police Academy in 2003 and received the Sword of Honor. He later obtained two master’s degrees in the United Kingdom, one in total quality strategy and another in international business management. An Abu Dhabi Police statement from October 2012 highlighted these qualifications as part of his profile within the Strategy and Performance Development General Department.
The Ministry of Interior oversees a broad portfolio that includes traffic management, civil defense and community safety programs across the UAE. Gulf News reported on September 14, 2026 that traffic fatalities fell by 74 percent between 2011 and 2025 according to the latest ministry statistics. The reduction stems from coordinated initiatives such as smart enforcement measures and national awareness campaigns conducted in partnership with police departments.
Brigadier Engineer Hussein Ahmed Al Harthy serves as Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council at the ministry. He emphasized the role of advanced legislation, infrastructure upgrades and artificial intelligence tools in achieving these safety gains. Gulf News noted that the progress supports the UAE’s alignment with international targets to reduce road deaths and injuries by 2030.
The Secretary-General position entails coordinating policy implementation and administrative functions under the minister’s direction. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan continues to guide the ministry’s strategic direction as both Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Recent official profiles place the ministry’s workforce at more than 8,000 personnel focused on maintaining the country’s strong security record.
