The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has issued a federal decree approving the reshuffle proposed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, official news agency Wam reported.
Lt. General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, while Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is now Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs.
In a significant change in the portfolios of ministers, Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qattami has been appointed as Minister of Education while Dr Hanif Hassan Ali has been moved to the Ministry of Health (MoH).
UAE ministers have reaffirmed their firm allegiance to the government and people of the country following the Cabinet reshuffle.
Minister of Education Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qattami said the new portfolio entails a big responsibility and hoped he would be up to the confidence vested in him by the UAE leadership.
Dr Hadif bin Jowan Al Dhahiri, Minister of Justice said he is sincere at all times to live up to the expectations of the prudent leadership.
He announced that his ministry would soon launch a new e-service for the convenience of the community and in conformity with the overall objectives set out by the federal government strategy.
“The future that promises great progress rests on building a new base capable of grooming new generations who are more developed, civilised and dynamic,” he said.
Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs paid rich tribute to the UAE wise leadership which shows sincere determination day by day to enhance joint action for the progress and welfare of the UAE.
“We should all sacrifice all that is precious for the sake of the nation, whose prosperity and progress are among the key objectives the government is striving to realise in the best and proper manner,” she said.
Officials remembered the outgoing minister as one who set new trends and brought in reforms in the MoH. They said Qattami had brought in some key changes in the policies in favour of public health. Some said it was under his leadership that the ministry drafted its longterm strategy and revamped the organisational structure of the MoH.
Hoping that Dr Hanif Hassan will have innovative ideas to promote the health sector in the UAE, they said they would extend their support for the new minister to carry on with the current plans of the ministry
