The goal of structural changes today is a government that is faster in decision-making and is more up-to-date with changes: VP
Published: Sun 5 Jul 2020, 12:00 AM
Updated: Mon 6 Jul 2020, 10:25 AM
The UAE today announced a more agile and nimble government structure that will lead the country into the future and be flexible enough to adapt to cater to any changes along the way.
Reflecting the digital savvy of the government, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the changes through Twitter this morning. He noted the new government structure has been approved and is supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
"The goal of structural changes today is a government that is faster in decision-making, and is more up to date with changes," said Sheikh Mohammed, adding that the new structure will help the government in seizing opportunities and "in dealing with the new stage in our history". The new structure reflects "a flexible and fast government whose goal is to consolidate the achievements and gains of the country," said Sheikh Mohammed.
"The new government has one year ahead of it to achieve the new priorities, and constant changes will remain the motto of the next stage, reaching the best government model that accompanies the new era ... and achieves the aspirations of the people of the Emirates during the next stage," he said.
Here are the major changes announced today:
> Sheikh Mohammed announced the creation of a new Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology that will be tasked with developing the industrial sector in the country. He also announced the merger of the Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA) with it.
> The new government will also see a new ministry, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, which will be a result of the merger of the Ministry of Energy with the Ministry of Infrastructure. The new ministry will oversee the Zayed Housing Program and the Federal Authority for Land and Maritime Transport. Oil Minster Suhail Al Mazroui has been named the minister of the newly formed Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
> Given its importance, the Ministry of Economy will have three ministers: Abdullah bin Touq Al-Marri will be the Minister of Economy; Ahmed Belhoul will be the Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises; while Thani Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi has been named as the Minister of State for Foreign Trade. "Our national economy is an absolute strategic priority," said Sheikh Mohammed.
> The National Media Council and the Federal Youth Authority will merge with the Ministry of Culture, which will now be known as the Ministry of Culture and Youth. It will have two ministers: Shamma Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Youth; and Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth. The state news agency Wam will be brought under the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.
> The Federal Authority for Electricity and Water, Emirates Post and Emirates Institution of Transportation and Emirates Real Estate Institution will be attached to the Emirates Investment Authority.
> The General Pension and Social Security Authority will be merged with the Ministry of Community Development.
> The National Council for Social Security Fund will be headed by Obaid Al Tayer.
> The National Qualifications Authority will be merged with the Ministry of Education while the Insurance Authority will be merged with the Securities and Commodities Authority under the chairmanship of the Minister of Economy. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber has been named President of the Emirates Development Bank to carry on with his developmental role.
> The Federal Authority For Government Human Resources will be attached to the office of the UAE Prime Minister.
> Ohoud Al Roumi, who was Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing, has been made Minister of State for Governmental Development and Future.
> Hamad Al-Mansoori has been appointed as head of the digital government in the UAE, with the objective of creating one digital window for the government and a comprehensive and complete digital transformation. "Recent changes have proven that digital government is an indispensable strategic choice, one that is necessary for economic security for business continuity in any circumstances," Sheikh Mohammed said.
> The UAE Insurance Authority will be merged with the Securities and Commodities Authority.
> A new ministerial position has been created, the Minister of State for Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence. Omar Sultan Al Olama will be the minister.
> Huda Al-Hashemi is appointed as the head of government strategy and innovation in the government. "Huda has been part of my team for more than 10 years and my trust in her is high," said Sheikh Mohammed. He also announced the appointment of Mohammed Bin Taleya as head of government services to lead the Federal service system to be among the best in the world.
> While announcing the restructured government, Sheikh Mohammed announced the appointment of Mohammed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti as the head of cyber security in the government of the UAE. "The security of our digital government is an essential part of our comprehensive national security, and protecting our digital national borders is an integral part of protecting our entire national soil," he said.
> Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan will continue being the Minister of Tolerance.
> Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, Minister of State for Food Security, has been appointed to the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.
> "Food security will remain a priority through two ministers," Sheikh Mohammed announced. "The Minister of State for Food and Water Security will follow up our national food stocks and invest in food technology and international relations in this field while the Minister of Environment will support farmers and caring and help in developing our fish and animal wealth," he added.
> Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, who was Minister of Infrastructure Development, will now be Minister of Climate Change and Environment
> Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, will head the UAE Space Agency.
> The Media Office of the UAE Government will be under the Cabinet. It will be headed by Saeed Mohammad Al Eter Al Dhanhani.
> Huda Al Hashemi will be Head of Strategy and Innovation for the UAE government.
> Mohammed bin Taleeah is now the Head of Governmental Services.
> Maryam Al Hammadi will be the General Secretary of the UAE Cabinet.
> Mohammed Sultan Al Abaidli will be the President of Legal Affairs for the UAE Government.
> Ahmed Majid Al Bedwaawi will be the Deputy General Secretary for Legal Affairs. "Ahmed Al Bedwaawi, Maryam Al Hammadi and Mohammed Sultan Al Abaidli will have an important mission to develop the General Secretariat of the Cabinet. I trust them," Sheikh Mohammed said.
> Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to Sultan Al Mansoori, who was Minister of Economy. "He spent 16 years in the UAE Government. He handled all his responsibilities professionally. Wish you all the best in the next phase of your life."
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