Video: UAE cabinet ministers take oath

The UAE’s new cabinet ministers have taken their oaths before His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during a remote swearing-in ceremony.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, was also present.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said that the UAE government reflects the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and is now entering a new phase tasked with preparing for the next 50 years of the country's development.

"With the support of my brother His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the UAE government has been swift in responding to the new global changes. We are among the top countries in the world in terms of proactively responding to surrounding challenges, taking proper decisions and resetting our priorities," Sheikh Mohammed explained.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: "The UAE has entered a new phase of effectiveness in the government work led by my brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. The UAE has always been proactive in dealing with transformations with creative thinking and forward-looking visions. My best wishes for the new government team that took the oath to serve the UAE and its people."

Last week, Sheikh Mohammed announced the merger of ministries and departments in a UAE Cabinet reshuffle to create a more agile government.

The new structure includes the closure of 50 per cent of government services centres and their transformation into digital platforms within a period of two years, and the mergers of around 50 per cent of federal authorities with other authorities or ministries, in addition to the appointments of new ministers of state and CEOs of specialised sectors.

صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد : بدعم أخي محمد بن زايد .. حكومة جديدة .. مرحلة جديدة .. طموح متجدد ..#UAEGOV @HHShkMohd pic.twitter.com/zGMq9Zpts4

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) July 11, 2020

The new ministries include the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, which will develop the country’s industrial sector. Three ministers will also be appointed under the Ministry of Economy, as well as a Minister of State for Digital Economy, Artificial Intelligence and Remote Work Applications, while a UAE Government Media Office will be established.

The new UAE Cabinet saw changes in 11 ministerial posts including merging or creating new portfolios, while 21 ministerial posts remain without change.

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) July 11, 2020

The new structure of the government includes the merger of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Infrastructure to become the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; the merger of the National Media Council (NMC) and the Federal Youth Authority to the Ministry of Culture; the merger of the General Pension and Social Security Authority and the Ministry of Community Development; the merger of the National Qualifications Authority and the Ministry of Education; and the merger of the Insurance Authority and the Securities and Commodities Authority.

Mohammed bin Rashid called on the new Cabinet after taking the oath of office, to work diligently, promote sustainable development, create proactive approaches and prepare for future challenges.

— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) July 11, 2020