The UAE Cabinet was reshuffled on July 5 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, where he merged several ministries and departments. He gave a new structure for several public institutions and brought new talent into the Cabinet.
Sheikh Mohammed later tweeted: “Our goal from the structural changes are for a government quicker in its decision-making … effectively adjusts with changes … better in seizing opportunities in dealing with this new phase in history – an agile government and quick in solidifying the achievement of our nation.
“The new government has one year to meet the new priorities. Constant changes will remain the slogan of the upcoming period until we reach the best government model that keeps up this new era and achieves the aspirations of the Emirati people.”
The Prime Minister created a new Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology; he also appointed three ministers to lead the Ministry of Economy in recognition of its importance. A Head of Cybersecurity for the government was appointed in view of the increasing online threats.
Sheikh Mohammed has a special project in mind to look at the work from home option and how to make it efficient – and ensure that services will serve people there.
The changes include: 50 per cent of government service centres are to be eliminated, and will become digital portals within two years while 50 per cent of federal authorities will be merged or added to ministries; the Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Infrastructure has been merged into the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; a new Ministry of Culture and Youth; the Federal Water and Electricity Authority (FEWA), Emirates Post, and Emirates Transport and Emirates Real Estate Corp (EREC) merged into the Emirates Investment Authority.
The National Media Council, which regulates media, television and cinema, among other areas, will be merged into the Ministry of Culture and Youth. State news agency Wam will be brought under the Ministry of Presidential Affairs. A new UAE Government Media Office, reporting to the Cabinet and led by Saeed Al Itir, will cover the offices of public diplomacy, and oversee all media communications for the UAE locally and internationally.
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