The UAE announced new foreign ministers of state in a 'mini-shuffle' of the Cabinet on Wednesday.
Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, will take up the post of Minister of State alongside Khalifa Al Marar, previously assistant minister of political affairs.
They were sworn in after Dr Anwar Gargash and Zaki Nusseibeh were appointed as advisers to the President Sheikh Khalifa.
Together they will work to strengthen the UAE's position and build diplomatic capacity
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on Wednesday presided over the swearing-in.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation said: "Al Marar has worked in the diplomatic service since 1978. Sheikh Shakhbout, who is part of the new generation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, has proven his ability by consolidating relations with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to which he served as Ambassador, and for which he was the subject of much praise."
Sheikh Abdullah added: "Their excellencies will join the other Ministers of State in managing the foreign policies of the UAE, in support of the political positions of the UAE and its relationships with international partners. Together they will work to strengthen the UAE’s position and build diplomatic capacity to uphold the interests of the state and its citizens abroad."
Sheikh Shakhbout and Khalifa Al Marar have been appointed to their new roles "due to their experience and outstanding achievements" at the ministry, according to Sheikh Abdullah. So who are they?
Sheikh Shakhbout
Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan previously served as the UAE ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He was appointed in 2017.
In 2019, he told The National "the sky is the limit" when it comes to his country's relationship with the neighbouring Kingdom.
Prior to that, he worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation between 2013 and 2014.
An elite level show jumper, he has also served as president of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation.
Sheikh Shakhbout holds a BA in applied science and applied media studies from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi and a graduate diploma from the Emirates Diplomatic Academy (now named after Dr Anwar Gargash) in 2017.
Khalifa Al Marar
Khalifa Al Marar started his diplomatic career in 1978 as an attaché at the UAE Embassy in Japan.
He has served as UAE Ambassador to Syria, Iran and Turkey, and Non-Resident Ambassador to Armenia.
Al Marar holds a bachelor degree in business administration and economy from the University of Sophia in Japan and a master’s degree in political economy from the New School of Social Research in New York, USA.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
TCL INFO
Teams:
Punjabi Legends Owners: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Intizar-ul-Haq; Key player: Misbah-ul-Haq
Pakhtoons Owners: Habib Khan and Tajuddin Khan; Key player: Shahid Afridi
Maratha Arabians Owners: Sohail Khan, Ali Tumbi, Parvez Khan; Key player: Virender Sehwag
Bangla Tigers Owners: Shirajuddin Alam, Yasin Choudhary, Neelesh Bhatnager, Anis and Rizwan Sajan; Key player: TBC
Colombo Lions Owners: Sri Lanka Cricket; Key player: TBC
Kerala Kings Owners: Hussain Adam Ali and Shafi Ul Mulk; Key player: Eoin Morgan
Venue Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Format 10 overs per side, matches last for 90 minutes
When December 14-17
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
ENGLAND SQUAD
Joe Root (captain), Dom Sibley, Rory Burns, Dan Lawrence, Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes (wicketkeeper), Moeen Ali, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad
