Dubai: The UAE has announced a cabinet reshuffle on Saturday, marking a new phase in the leadership and administration of the country.
The reshuffle was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, on his official X account.
“With the approval of my brother, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and following consultations with him, we are pleased to announce a series of ministerial reshuffles in the UAE government,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.
Leading the reshuffle, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister for Financial and Economic Affairs, overseeing this critical sector in the Federal Government.
“Sheikh Maktoum’s proven leadership at the Ministry of Finance and his effective handling of various economic and commercial files have been instrumental in balancing our financial policies both locally and federally,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“We have full confidence in his ability to lead our federal economic, commercial, and financial team towards new achievements, nurturing young economic leaders, and continuing our commitment to sound fiscal policies that bolster the nation's economic growth,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.
Another notable appointment is that of Sultan Al Neyadi as the Minister of State for Youth in the UAE. "Some time ago, we invited nominations for the position of Minister of Youth in the UAE. We were inundated with nominations, and one name consistently stood out among the Emirati youth. This exceptional individual has been appointed as the new Minister of Youth," Sheikh Mohammed wrote.
Sultan Al Neyadi appointed Minister of Youth
“Sultan Al Neyadi, an accomplished astronaut with a PhD, has dedicatedly served his country in both the military and space sectors. He has made significant contributions to humanity in the field of science, notably being the first Arab to undertake a spacewalk and the first to embark on the longest Arab space mission, lasting six months,” His Highness said.
“Sultan is deeply connected to youth issues and is committed to their advancement and promotion. We wish Sultan all the best as he continues his scientific and space explorations in addition to his new responsibilities. We encourage our youth to be firmly grounded in their land, history, and culture, while aspiring to reach the stars. We stand with them in competition on the global stage and take pride in their achievements. Sultan, we are with you in this endeavor,” the UAE Vice President tweeted.
Sultan Saif AlNeyadi is one of the first two astronauts, along with Hazza Al Mansouri within the UAE Astronaut Programme, which was launched in 2017 aiming to develop a national scientific corps and prepare a national team of astronauts to be sent to space for various scientific missions.
He has accomplished the longest Arab space mission in history, which was launched on 2nd March, aboard the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft. On April 28, 2023, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Arab to complete a spacewalk.
On September 4, 2023, he returned to Earth after completing a 6-month mission at the International Space Station, during which he participated in around 200 scientific experiments aboard the station.
Al Neyadi holds a Bachelor degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of Brighton, UK, and a Master's degree in IT and a Ph.D. in Information Technology from Griffith University, Australia.
Al Neyadi received the Best Student Award at the Zayed Military College, and an Award of Excellence for his performance from Griffith University, Australia. He also won the Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Award for Scientific Achievement. Additionally, Al Neyadi is a member of the UAE Volunteering Platform.
Minister of Environment
Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi has been appointed as the Minister of Environment and a member of the Council of Ministers. “Amna, a prominent member of the federal workforce, has been under our observation for several years, during which she has successfully led a series of strategic projects for the federal government. She is entrusted with significant responsibilities in environmental management and the advancement of the agricultural sector, as well as in establishing internal food security. Her role is pivotal in supporting and fostering the growth of our citizens working in agriculture, fishing, and food sectors,” Sheikh Mohammed stated.
Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi served as the Assistant Undersecretary for Care & Capacity Building Sector at the Ministry of Education in UAE since July 2016. Prior to that, She held the role of the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department at the Ministry of Education. She was also named the UAE Government Spokesperson during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Also, she is a member of the Digital Transformation Committee, the National Committee for Family Protection, and the Gulf Council for Giftedness.
Dr Amna heads several national committees, including the Child Protection Council in the educational environment, the National Committee for Green Education, and the National Committee for Creative Arts in Education.
Additionally, she led the organizing committee for hosting the International Junior Science Olympiad for Youth 2021 and the International Biology Olympiad 2023.
She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Khalifa University, and Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science from University of Sharjah. She also holds the UAE Government Innovation Diploma from Mohamed Bin Rashid Center of Government Innovation, and the Diplomatic Leadership Program by the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA).
Head of International Affairs Office
Mariam Harib Al Muhairi has been also appointed as the Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, following her impactful term in the Ministry of Environment. His Highness said that Mariam has made substantial contributions to the UAE in the areas of environment and food security, both domestically and internationally.
Her efforts have been universally commended by peers and collaborators, both within the UAE and abroad. Notably, she skillfully led the UAE's bid in COP28, showcasing her professionalism and expertise. We take great pride in her accomplishments and anticipate further success in her forthcoming national assignments.
Minister of State for Defence Affairs
Lastly, Mohammed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei has been appointed as the Minister of State for Defence Affairs and a member of the Council of Ministers. He brings his extensive experience from his previous roles as the Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court and Advisor at the Presidential Court.
Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei who was appointed as the Minister of State for Defence Affairs and member of UAE Cabinet on January 6, 2024, has served as an Adviser at the Presidential Court, since 2022. From 2009 until 2022, he served as the Undersecretary of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi. Between 2006 and 2008 he was the Deputy Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority. He holds a bachelor degree in Business Administration specializing in Finance from Suffolk University of Boston, US.
