His Excellency Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi is a social impact innovator dedicated to empowering youth through leadership advocacy and the support of grassroots initiatives.

Since 2019, Ahmed has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Foundation, an Erth Zayed Philanthropies’ initiative. The foundation invests in youth-focused social development and accelerates youth-led initiatives. Inspired by the vision of the UAE’s founding father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, to empower future generations, and founded by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the organization has spearheaded transformative programs through strategic subsidiaries and joint ventures, establishing itself as a key driver of sustainable social progress.

In addition to his role at Emirates Foundation, Ahmed serves as Director of the National Experts Program, which equips the next generation of Emirati leaders through an innovative mentorship initiative.

Previously, Ahmed chaired the Abu Dhabi Youth Council. He also played a pivotal role in major UAE international engagements across diplomacy, culture, and sports such as the Special Olympics, UAE-China Week, Formula 1 Abu Dhabi, and the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Notably, he was appointed as the UAE’s first UN Youth Ambassador.

Ahmed is recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and was the Curator of the Global Shapers Abu Dhabi Chapter.

He holds a degree in international relations from American University in Washington, D.C., and has pursued advanced training at Oxford University, Harvard University, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.