On October 19, 2017, Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid was appointed the “Minister of Community Development” to commence her role in improving and advancing the social development of all the members of the community: families, children, adolescents, young people, senior citizens, and people of determination. Her strategic approach has been informed by the various dimensions related to the happiness and wellbeing for all.

Previous Positions: Prior to her appointment, Her Excellency was the Assistant Director General for Government Services in the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Future. Her Excellency overlooked the Emirates Government Services Excellence Program aiming to raise the efficiency of government services delivery. Additionally, Her Excellency supervised the launch of Government Services Factory focusing on training government authorities on how to implement services design mechanism. She also supervised the Customers’ Satisfaction and Happiness Project related to all government services. Amongst her previous positions were the General Coordinator of Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Program, Executive Director of Excellence Sector, Executive Director for Institutional Support Sector, Assistant Director General for Government Services Sector, and Supervisor of the UAE Government Leadership Program.

Professional Development & Awards: Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid is a graduate of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Young Leadership Program and a two-time recipient of Sheikh Rashid Award for Scientific Excellence. Additionally, she won the Arabian Gulf National Olympic Committee Award for Outstanding Youth in 2013 and the “Best Distinguished Newly Appointed Employee” at Dubai Government Excellence Program in 2003.

Education: Her Excellency holds a Master of Business Administration (with Distinction) from the American University of Sharjah and a Bachelor of Business Sciences (with Highest Distinction) from Zayed University. She also holds an Executive Diploma in Public Administration from Lee Kuwan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore.

Designations: Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid occupied several designations, including, Membership of Supreme National Committee for the Year of Tolerance 2019, Membership of Education & Human Resources Council, and Chairperson of Community & International Games Heritage Committee during the 9th Regional Olympics 2018 and International Games of Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi 2019.

Current Memberships: Her Excellency currently holds several memberships, including, Cabinet Member, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Zakat Fund, Chairperson of Wellbeing Council and Vice Chairperson of Digital Wellbeing Council, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of General Pensions & Social Security Authority, Member of Ministerial Development Council, Member of the Board of Directors of Federal Youth Authority, Member of Federal Demographic Council, Member of the Board of Directors of Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, Member of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation, Member of Early Childhood Committee in Abu Dhabi, Member of Supreme Committee for Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Excellence and Community Intelligence Program, Member of the Board of Directors of Emirates Competitiveness Council (ECC), and Member of the Board of Directors of Emirates Council for Balanced Development.