UAE Cabinet Reshuffle: Hamdan Bin Mohammed Named Deputy PM And Defence Minister

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved a new cabinet formation, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The reshuffle includes significant appointments and restructuring within the government.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has been appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Additionally, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan will serve as Deputy Prime Minister while continuing his role as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The new cabinet also introduces major changes to the education system. A comprehensive restructuring aims to enhance governance and link education with human development and community needs. This initiative seeks to improve cooperation among various educational entities to accelerate strategic plans.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated, "Following consultations with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and after his approval, we announce today a new cabinet reshuffle as follows: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum joins the UAE government as Deputy Prime Minister and is appointed as Minister of Defence."

The Education, Human Resources and Community Development Council will oversee this sector under the chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Vice Chairperson H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This council will manage various ministries including Education, Higher Education, Human Resources, Emiratisation, and Community Development.

Sarah Al Amiri has been named the UAE's Minister of Education. Abdulrahman Al Awar will act as Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in addition to his current role as Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Ahmad Belhoul takes on the role of Minister of Sports while continuing his duties with the UAE Space Agency.

His Highness added, "We also announce today, as part of the governmental amendments, the appointment of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Deputy Prime Minister in addition to his portfolio as Minister of Foreign Affairs."

The Quality of Education Centre will monitor educational outcomes across public and private sectors using standardised frameworks. It aims to enhance quality measurement tools within educational institutions and publish performance reports for transparency.

Focus on Entrepreneurship

Alia Abdullah Al Mazrouei has been appointed as Minister of State for Entrepreneurship. Her extensive experience in both private and public sectors is expected to create more economic opportunities for UAE nationals in line with national economic growth.

"Sheikh Hamdan is a true supporter," said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. "He is a leader who loves people and is loved by them. We have high confidence that he will be a valuable addition to the UAE government."

The General Secretariat will support the Education Council's tasks by overseeing implementation strategies for change management. It will build a robust digital infrastructure linking educational data with community and labour market information.

Unified Vision for Development

The new structure aims to unify visions between education, human development, and community needs. It targets attracting talent to enhance education quality while addressing national-level challenges faced by students, teachers, parents, and society at large.

"We also announce the naming of Alia Abdullah Al Mazrouei as Minister of State for Entrepreneurship," continued His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. "Her mandate is to create more economic opportunities for UAE nationals in line with the national economy's robust growth."

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will focus on aligning higher education policies with labour market needs to boost competitiveness among institutions. It aims to support academic research efforts while ensuring educational outputs meet key sector requirements.

Comprehensive Governance

The Emirates School Education Foundation and UAE Federal Agency for Early Education have merged with the Ministry of Education. This ministry now oversees early childhood through secondary education stages across public, private, technical, vocational schools including those catering to special needs students.

"May God bless everyone in serving the country and its people... We affirm that change is part of the development journey... Our future is brighter as we move forward," concluded His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

With inputs from WAM