UAE expected to merge ministries in drive for more flexible government

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid is due to announce the move on Sunday

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid hailed the country's strong result. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

The UAE is expected to merge some ministries and departments on Sunday in a drive for more flexible and efficient government.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said he would announce the move at midday on Sunday.

The potential merger came out of a summit in mid-May, when government officials met to discuss the response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We promised to make changes and merge ministries and agencies... to come up with a government that is more flexible, fast and able to keep up with the changes," he wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

In May, Sheikh Mohammed said governments had to change with the times.

"Anyone who thinks that the world after Covid-19 will be the same as the one before it is mistaken," he said on May 13, after a three-day meeting of senior officials.

"The goal is to draw up a plan for the UAE after the Covid-19 virus crisis, a plan that will ensure that we are the fastest country in recovery."

The May summit was held to produce business plans and policies for the ensure the short, medium and long-term development, and enable the country to tackle economic and social challenges that arose from the pandemic.