UAE cabinet reshuffle: here’s what you need to know

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Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced new appointments to the UAE Cabinet.

The reshuffle, conducted in consultation with the President of the UAE — Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan — is targeted at enhancing leadership and operational efficiency across various sectors.

As a result, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Meanwhile, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan retains his role as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and has also been named 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, now includes the Ministry of Community Development along with existing education and human resources ministries.

Additionally, Sheikha Maryam has been appointed head of the National Centre for Quality Education.

Here is a summary of the key appointments

• Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence
• Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
• Ahmed Belhoul: Minister of Sports and President of the Higher Colleges of Technology, and President of the UAE Space Agency
• Alia Abdullah Al Mazrouei: Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs
• Sarah Al Amiri: Minister of Education with the integration of Emirates School Establishment and the Federal Authority for Early Childhood Education
• Abdul Rahman Al-Awar: Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, continuing as Minister of Emiratisation and Human Resources

Sheikh Mohammed announced these changes on social media platform X, expressing confidence in the new appointees and their roles in shaping the future of the UAE.