The UAE’s new Cabinet ministers took their oaths of office in front of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, during a remote swearing-in ceremony on Saturday.
The ministers were sworn in after approval from the President Sheikh Khalifa, according to Wam.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was also present.
Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE government reflects the vision of President Sheikh Khalifa and is now preparing for the next 50 years of the United Arab Emirates’ development.
"With the support of my brother His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE government has been swift in responding to the new global changes. We are among the top countries in the world in terms of proactively responding to surrounding challenges, taking proper decisions and resetting our priorities," Sheikh Mohammed said.
Sheikh Mohamed said: "The UAE has entered a new phase of effectiveness in the government work led by my brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. The UAE has always been proactive in dealing with transformations with creative thinking and forward-looking visions. My best wishes for the new government team that took the oath today to serve the UAE and its people."
Last Sunday, Sheikh Mohammed announced the merger of ministries and departments in a UAE Cabinet reshuffle. Under the plan, half of the government services centres will close and transform into digital platforms within two years, and around half of federal authorities will merge with other authorities or ministries.
New ministers of state and CEOs of specialised sectors were also appointed, and new ministries were established. One is the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, which will develop the country’s industrial sector.
Three ministers will also be appointed under the Ministry of Economy, as well as a Minister of State for Digital Economy, Artificial Intelligence and Remote Work Applications while a UAE Government Media Office will be established.
The new government structure includes the merger of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Infrastructure to become the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the merger of the National Media Council, and the Federal Youth Authority to the Ministry of Culture, the merger of the General Pension and Social Security Authority and the Ministry of Community Development, the merger of the National Qualifications Authority and the Ministry of Education, and the merger of the Insurance Authority and the Securities and Commodities Authority.
