Riyadh: Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude oil exporter, on Saturday appointed Khalid Al Falih as the kingdom's new Energy Minister, replacing veteran Ali Al Naimi who has been holding the post since 1995.
Saudi state television cited a royal decree as saying the petroleum ministry had been renamed to become the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources.
Falih was relieved from his previous post of health minister, the decree said.
The restructuring of government ministries and Cabinet reshuffle was announced in a series of royal decrees carried on state television.
As part of the move, the oil ministry will now become Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources.
Saudi Arabia has also abolished the Ministry of Water and Electricity. Instead, the Ministry of Agriculture will not take responsibility for water.
He replaced the ministers in charge of the energy, oil, water, transport, commerce, social affairs, health and pilgrimage portfolios and established a new recreation and culture commission.
The restructured ministries and government bodies are as follows:
1. The Ministry of Water and Electricity has been abolished.
2. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has become the Ministry of Commerce and Investment.
3. The Ministry of Petroleum has become the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources.
4. The Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Social Affairs have been merged together.
5. A new General Authority for Entertainment and another one for Culture will be established as per the new amendments
6. Khalid Al Falih has replaced Ali Al Nuaimi as the Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources.
7. Tawfiq Al Rabiah has become the Minister of Health.
8. Majed Al Qasabi was appointed as Minister of Trade.
9. Sulaiman Al Hamdan will serve as Minister of Transport.
10. Mohammad Saleh Benten will be Minister of Hajj.
