UAE Government Reshuffle: New Ministry Of Family Established To Support Families

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has endorsed a government reshuffle announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. This reshuffle includes creating the "Ministry of Family" and transforming the "Ministry of Community Development" into the "Ministry of Community Empowerment."

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated: "Under the directives of my brother, the President of the UAE, and with his blessing, we announce today a government reshuffle that includes the establishment of the 'Ministry of Family.' This new Ministry will be led by Her Excellency Sana bint Mohammad Suhail, whose extensive experience in early childhood development, family welfare, and supporting people of determination, along with her years of dedicated service in government, makes her uniquely qualified for this critical role."

The newly formed Ministry of Family will focus on developing policies to support cohesive families. It aims to promote positive values and enhance national identity. The ministry will also work on strategies to increase fertility rates among Emirati families and reduce family breakdown risks.

Her Excellency Sana bint Mohammad Suhail has been appointed as Minister of Family. She brings a wealth of experience from roles such as Director General at Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority since April 2021. Her past positions include Undersecretary at the Ministry of Community Development.

The Ministry of Community Empowerment will propose policies for an innovative social support system targeting low-income families. It aims to improve their quality of life while fostering economic participation and financial independence. The ministry will oversee social support applications and ensure efficient disbursement.

Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui leads this ministry. It will adopt a pioneering community empowerment model to enhance participation and unlock individual potential. The ministry will regulate not-for-profit organisations to create lasting social impacts.

Strategic Oversight and Collaboration

The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council will guide strategic directions for family and community empowerment portfolios. Led by Abdullah bin Zayed and Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed, it ensures alignment between new ministries' plans with education and human development.

"The human journey in the UAE is integrated," said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He emphasised that from birth through education to career paths, each stage contributes to community growth.

Empowering Vulnerable Groups

The Ministry of Family will propose strategies to protect vulnerable groups like People of Determination, senior citizens, orphans, and abuse victims. It will collaborate with health and education sectors for comprehensive care programs.

This ministry's responsibilities include preparing initiatives for prospective couples and managing marriage support services. It also focuses on child welfare by proposing policies ensuring children's rights in collaboration with relevant authorities.

Regulating Social Care Services

The Ministry of Family will outline standards for licensing institutions providing social care services. Additionally, it will develop training programs for this sector to ensure high-quality service delivery.

The Ministry of Community Empowerment will regulate non-profit organisations' contributions towards national priorities. It establishes standards for licensing these entities while ensuring accountability through mechanisms safeguarding integrity.

Promoting Volunteering Initiatives

The Ministry aims to foster volunteering initiatives across various fields involving individuals from government entities and private sectors alike. This effort seeks to nurture a spirit of service contributing significantly towards national development goals.

The ministry oversees licensing houses of worship for non-Muslims while designing programs strengthening societal cohesion among diverse segments within communities across public-private-third sector collaborations aligned with UAE’s priorities.

"We extend our best wishes to everyone as they embark on their new roles," expressed His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum confidently about these changes helping realise collective aspirations through shared responsibility uniting sectors towards remarkable progress socially.

With inputs from WAM