Dubai Ruler makes two more appointments to UAE’s Federal Government

Sara Amiri, 29, is to lead the Emirates Scientists’ Council, while Abdullah Mohammed Al Marri has been appointed the secretary general of the Cabinet.

Sara Amiri will lead the Emirates Scientists’ Council. Wam

DUBAI // As part of major changes to the Federal Government, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, made two more appointments on Thursday.

Sara Amiri is to lead the Emirates Scientists’ Council, while Abdullah Al Basti Al Marri has been appointed Secretary General of the Cabinet.

The newly-formed science council will launch programmes for the development of a generation of researchers, scientists and academics.

It will also call on researchers and specialists to periodically review policy for science, technology and innovation and to provide advice to decision makers.

Ms Amiri also heads the Emirati scientific team to explore Mars and works at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai.

The 29-year-old is the programme manager of advanced systems and is responsible for the expansion of the scientific team through partnerships with national universities and international institutes.

She was director of research and development in the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology and holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in computer engineering from the American University in Sharjah.

Before joining the Cabinet as its Secretary General, Mr Al Marri served as the director general of the executive office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. He held the position of executive director for the Government Development Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs. He oversaw the launch of the UAE programme for government service.

He began his career in the Armed Forces in which he served for more than 11 years. He holds a master’s degree in quality management from the University of Wollongong in Dubai and a bachelor’s degree in information systems programming from the University of Dubai. He is a graduate of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Programme for Leadership Development.