Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced a major cabinet reshuffle today, appointing Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE.
Following consultations with President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, who also endorsed these changes, additional appointments were made to further solidify the leadership and operational efficiency across various sectors.
As part of the cabinet reshuffle, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan retains his role as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and has also been appointed Deputy Prime Minister.
The Education and Human Resources Council chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and vice-chaired by Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has been expanded to include the Ministry of Community Development, along with the existing Ministries of Education, Higher Education and Federal Universities, and Human Resources and Emiratization. Additionally, Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed has been appointed head of the National Center for Quality Education.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan: Deputy Prime Minister, in addition to his duties as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Ahmed Belhoul: Minister of Sports and President of the Higher Colleges of Technology, in addition to his duties as President of the UAE Space Agency.
Alia Abdullah Al Mazrouei: Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs.
Sarah Al Amiri as Minister of Education with the merging the Emirates School Establishment and the Federal Agency for Early Education.
Abdul Rahman Al-Awar: Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in addition to his current duties as Minister of Emiratisation and Human Resources in the federal government.
Additionally, the Emirates Schools Establishment and the Federal Authority for Early Childhood Education will merge with the Ministry of Education. Sara Al Amiri has been appointed as the Minister of Education in the UAE, and Abdulrahman Al Awar will serve as the Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, while continuing his role as Minister of Emiratization and Human Resources.
Ahmed Belhoul has been named the Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Higher Colleges of Technology, in addition to his responsibilities as Chairman of the UAE Space Agency. Alia Abdulla Al Mazrouei has been appointed as Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, bringing her extensive experience from the private and government sectors to create economic opportunities in line with the national economy's significant growth.
Making the announcement on his X platform, Sheikh Mohammed said: "Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has now joined the UAE government as Deputy Prime Minister and has been appointed as the Minister of Defense.”
“Hamdan is known for his supportive nature, and his deep connection with the people, something which holds him in high regard. We are confident that his addition to the UAE government will greatly contribute to shaping the future of the UAE.”
Sheikh Mohammed added: “Today, we also announce the appointment of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Deputy Prime Minister while he continues in his role as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Education and Human Resources Council, led by Sheikh Abdullah and vice-chaired by Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has been restructured. This reform includes the integration of the Ministry of Community Development into the Council alongside the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, Federal Universities, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. Additionally, Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed has been appointed as head of the National Center for Quality Education.
“Under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah and Sheikha Maryam, the council will serve as a guarantee for the stability and continuity of educational plans and strategies. The Council is tasked with overseeing the development of our national human capital, as envisioned by the President of the UAE, covering areas from early childhood education through to higher education and employment, promoting Emiratisation, and fostering family stability. It aims to nurture generations committed to their identity while embracing the values of society and adapting to future scientific and technological advancements.
“As part of the governmental reforms, we also announce that the Emirates Schools Establishment, and the Federal Authority for Early Childhood Education will be merged with the Ministry of Education. Additionally, Sarah Al Amiri has been appointed as the new Minister of Education in the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.
The Prime Minister also announced that Abdul Rahman Al Awar will take on the role of Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, alongside his current responsibilities as Minister of Emiratisation and Human Resources in the Federal Government.
“Under the new changes in the Federal Government, Alia Abdullah Al Mazrouei is now appointed as Minister of State for Entrepreneurship. With her extensive experience in both the private and government sectors, Alia will play a vital role in creating substantial economic opportunities for the UAE people. We also thank Sarah Al Musallam for her efforts during the last period, wishing her continued success in serving her country,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“We pray to Allah to help everyone serve the UAE and its people. We reaffirm that change is an integral part of our development journey—a journey driven by boundless ambition. As we move forward, our prospects remain bright, and our future is prosperous as long as we continue to dream ambitiously for our country,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
Hamdan thanks UAE leadership
Expressing his thanks and gratitude for the UAE leadership, Sheikh Hamdan stated: "We thank His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for this trust and assignment.”
“We renew our pledge and promise to our wise leadership and our people to continue following in the footsteps of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, ensuring that the flag of the UAE flies high. We are committed to working in a team spirit to preserve our developmental gains and build a better future for our country and our people. We ask Allah for success and guidance," he tweeted.
New structure of education sector
The new structure of the education sector in the UAE is part of a strategic framework aimed at the sustainable development of this sector. It seeks to enhance overall governance and link it to human and community development. The structure aims to improve cooperation among various parties within the educational system to accelerate the implementation of strategic plans, and enhance communication, coherence, and participation between education and the community. It also focuses on advancing quality, fostering development processes, and ensuring continuous evaluation of performance to monitor progress and achieve the aspirations and targeted results for society.
The new structure aims to create a sustainable ecosystem that considers community members from their early stages and supports their educational and practical careers. It promotes lifelong learning and development to ensure continued growth and prosperity for future generations. This structure unifies the visions between education and human development.
The new structure also helps unify visions between education, human development, and society, fostering communication and cooperation among various parties to achieve unified priorities. It aims to attract, maintain, develop, and empower talents to contribute to the advancement of education and the development of humanity and society. This structure focuses on meeting the needs of education and society at the national level, addressing various challenges, and supporting students, teachers, school leaders, parents, and all segments of society.
The new structure attaches great importance to aligning higher education with human development, emphasising the creation of job opportunities that match graduates' aspirations, passions, and talents. It provides continuous support for their professional and future success. The structure also promotes the gradual adoption of advanced tools and mechanisms based on artificial intelligence, keeping pace with local and global developments.
The Council of Education, Human Development, and Community encompasses the National Center for Quality of Education, the General Secretariat, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, federal universities, as well as the Ministries of Human Resources, Emiratisation, and Community Development, in alignment with the Council’s scope of work.
The council's responsibilities include:
• Adopting the vision and strategic directions for education, human development, and society in the country.
• Establishing performance indicators and key targets.
• Approving frameworks, policies, strategies, legislation, and regulations.
• Overseeing the performance of federal authorities related to its scope of work and monitoring their achievement of targets.
• Formulating policies for resource management, finance, and human resources in education, human development, and society for the relevant federal authorities.
• Enhancing cooperation, coordination, and coherence between educational outcomes and the workforce to meet the needs and aspirations of the UAE community.
New appointments inject fresh momentum in Government: Sheikh Mansour
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, said that the new cabinet reshuffle, approved by UAE President and announced His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, injects fresh momentum and distinguished national talent into the government.
“The reshuffle comes in line with the UAE's commitment to systematically developing its government structure to enhance progress and prosperity. Congratulations to the leadership, government, and people of the UAE on this important change, which will support national efforts across all sectors under the leadership of UAE President and the contributions of Emirati people,” Sheikh Mansour tweeted.
Our wise leadership’s trust is a privilege: Sheikh Maktoum
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, congratulated Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, on his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. He also extended his congratulations to Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister besides his role as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as his chairmanship of the Education, Human Resources Council.
"I congratulate my brother Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. I also congratulate my brother Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and his leadership of the Education and Human Resources Council," stated Sheikh Maktoum.
"Our wise leadership’s trust is a privilege, fulfilling the aspirations of the UAE people is a sacred responsibility, and the future of our nation is a beacon that guides our continuous journey towards glory and prosperity. May Allah guide us all in serving our country and elevating its stature."
