UAE Announces Cabinet Reshuffle

The UAE makes ministerial reshuffles in the federal government. (Reuters)
The UAE makes ministerial reshuffles in the federal government. (Reuters)
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UAE Announces Cabinet Reshuffle

The UAE makes ministerial reshuffles in the federal government. (Reuters)
The UAE makes ministerial reshuffles in the federal government. (Reuters)

The United Arab Emirates on Saturday announced a ministerial reshuffle, including the Minister of State for financial and economic affairs, the minister of state for defense affairs, the minister of state for the environment, as well as minister of state for youth affairs.
Posting on X, UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum wrote, “With the approval of my brother, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and following consultations with him, we are pleased to announce a series of ministerial reshuffles in the UAE government.”
He then announced that Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister for Financial and Economic Affairs, overseeing this sector in the Federal Government.
The PM added that Sheikh Maktoum’s proven leadership at the Ministry of Finance and his effective handling of various economic and commercial files have been instrumental in balancing the country’s financial policies both locally and federally.
“We have full confidence in his ability to lead our federal economic, commercial, and financial team towards new achievements, nurturing young economic leaders, and continuing our commitment to sound fiscal policies that bolster the nation's economic growth,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.
Also, Mohammed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei has been appointed as the Minister of State for Defense Affairs and a member of the Council of Ministers.

Al Mazrouei had previously worked as the Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court and Advisor at the Presidential Court.
In his post, Sheikh Mohammed also wrote that Mariam Harib Al Muhairi was appointed as the Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, following her impactful term in the Ministry of Environment.
He said Mariam has made substantial contributions to the UAE in the areas of environment and food security, both domestically and internationally.
Her efforts have been universally commended by peers and collaborators, both within the UAE and abroad, Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that she skillfully led the UAE's bid in COP28, showcasing her professionalism and expertise.
“We take great pride in her accomplishments and anticipate further success in her forthcoming national assignments,” he added.
In the cabinet reshuffle, Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi was appointed as the Minister of Environment and a member of the Council of Ministers.
“Amna, a prominent member of the federal workforce, has been under our observation for several years, during which she has successfully led a series of strategic projects for the federal government. She is entrusted with significant responsibilities in environmental management and the advancement of the agricultural sector,” Sheikh Mohammed stated.
In the youth file, the PM announced the appointment of Sultan Al Neyadi as the Minister of State for Youth in the UAE.
“Some time ago, we invited nominations for the position of Minister of Youth in the UAE. We were inundated with nominations, and one name consistently stood out among the Emirati youth. This exceptional individual has been appointed as the new Minister of Youth,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.
He added that, “Sultan Al Neyadi, an accomplished astronaut with a PhD, has dedicatedly served his country in both the military and space sectors.”
The new Minister has made significant contributions to humanity in the field of science, notably being the first Arab to undertake a spacewalk and the first to embark on the longest Arab space mission, lasting six months.



Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.