UAE Announces Cabinet Reshuffle, Sets Up New ‘Family Ministry’

 The UAE flag
 The UAE flag
TT

UAE Announces Cabinet Reshuffle, Sets Up New ‘Family Ministry’

 The UAE flag
 The UAE flag

Emirati Vice President, Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced on Sunday a government reshuffle under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, including the establishment of the Family Ministry.
The new ministry will be led by Sana Suhail, who has an extensive experience in early childhood development, family welfare, and supporting people of determination, along with her years of dedicated service in government.
“Family is a national priority, the cornerstone of our progress, and the foundation of our nation’s future,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
He noted that during the recent Annual Government Meetings, the UAE President underscored the need for comprehensive national programs aimed at increasing family formation in the Emirates, fostering growth, empowering families, and strengthening their cohesion and stability.
“The new ministry will take charge of this vital mission by developing legislation, policies, and programs to address these challenges,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid added.
The PM also said that families form the solid nucleus of the Emirati society.
“We call on everyone to contribute to the empowerment and support of families, and we anticipate significant positive developments in this critical area in the coming period,” he said.
The new cabinet reshuffle also includes elevating the role of the Community Development Ministry to become the Community Empowerment Ministry.
The ministry, led by Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, will adopt a pioneering and integrated community empowerment model designed to amplify community participation and unlock the potential of every individual.
The ministry will oversee the social support system and empowerment programs, providing a safety net for low-income families and tailored pathways to improve their quality of life and foster their financial independence.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, led by Abdullah bin Zayed and Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed, will oversee the development of strategic directions in the family and community empowerment portfolios.
It will also oversee the alignment between the plans of the new ministries, linking their directions with education and human development within a unified and a comprehensive vision.

 

 



Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with Japanese Counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
TT

Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with Japanese Counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Middle East)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Monday from Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi.

According to SPA, during the call, they discussed the latest developments in the region and the efforts being made regarding them.


Dubai Airport Gradually Resumes Flights after Drone Fire

A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
TT

Dubai Airport Gradually Resumes Flights after Drone Fire

A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
A smoke plume rises from a fire at Dubai International Airport in Dubai on March 16, 2026. (Photo by AFP)

Officials said Monday that Dubai International Airport has gradually resumed some flights after a "drone-related incident" sparked a fuel tank fire, forcing a temporary suspension.

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced flights are operating to selected destinations, according to the Dubai Media Office.

Emirates airline said it expected to operate a "limited schedule" after 10:00 am Dubai time (0600 GMT) and that some flights had been cancelled.

It had earlier told passengers not to come to the airport and said it was working with authorities "to assess the situation and support the safe resumption of operations when possible.”

In Abu Dhabi, a Palestinian civilian was killed on the outskirts of the Emirati capital when a missile hit their car on Monday, authorities said.

"Authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi responded to an incident in the Al Bahia area involving a missile strike on a civilian vehicle, which resulted in the death of one Palestinian national," the Abu Dhabi Media Office said in a statement.


Saudi Arabia Becomes Region’s Key Transit Hub as War Disrupts Gulf Airspace

Qatar Airways announces the continued temporary suspension of its flights as airspace closures persist (dpa). 
Qatar Airways announces the continued temporary suspension of its flights as airspace closures persist (dpa). 
TT

Saudi Arabia Becomes Region’s Key Transit Hub as War Disrupts Gulf Airspace

Qatar Airways announces the continued temporary suspension of its flights as airspace closures persist (dpa). 
Qatar Airways announces the continued temporary suspension of its flights as airspace closures persist (dpa). 

As the war between Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other enters its third week, mounting military tensions and disruptions to regional air and maritime routes have pushed Saudi Arabia to the forefront as a critical transit hub.

The Kingdom has become a vital artery for travel and logistics across the Gulf and parts of the Arab world after allowing several Gulf carriers to use its airports and airspace to facilitate incoming and outgoing flights.

Iraq expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for facilitating the transit and reception of Iraqi citizens through land and air crossings after Iraqi Airways was permitted to operate flights through Arar Airport in northern Saudi Arabia.

Saudi airports have recorded a noticeable surge in air traffic in recent days as airlines rerouted flights to avoid areas of conflict. On Sunday, Bahrain’s Gulf Air announced it was expanding operations through King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Earlier, Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways said it would operate through Al-Qaisumah Airport in Hafar Al-Batin in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.

Meanwhile, air defense systems across Gulf states have intercepted dozens of Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting civilian sites and private property, actions officials say violate international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, said air defenses intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles and 36 drones targeting Riyadh, the Eastern Province, Al-Kharj and the Empty Quarter within the past 24 hours.

The projectiles were reportedly headed toward the Shaybah oil field in southeastern Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait

Kuwait’s General Directorate of Civil Aviation said Kuwait International Airport was targeted by several drones that struck the airport’s radar system. Authorities said no casualties were reported and that emergency procedures activated since the start of the crisis were implemented in full coordination with relevant agencies.

The Kuwaiti National Guard said its forces shot down five drones in areas under its protection during the same period.

Bahrain

Bahrain’s Defense Force said its air defense systems have intercepted and destroyed 125 missiles and 211 drones since the start of the Iranian attacks.

Separately, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of five individuals and identified a sixth suspect who fled the country. Authorities said the suspects were involved in gathering and transmitting sensitive information to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps through operatives in Iran and recruiting individuals for terrorist plots targeting Bahrain.

Gulf Air also confirmed it would temporarily expand operations through King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, allowing passengers to book flights through its usual commercial channels. The airline had already operated several repatriation and limited flights through Dammam in recent days to maintain air connectivity while Bahrain’s airspace remains temporarily closed.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE Ministry of Defense said its forces intercepted four ballistic missiles and six drones launched from Iran, adding that the country remains on high alert to confront any threats.

Since the start of the attacks, UAE air defenses have intercepted 298 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,606 drones, according to the ministry. Six people of various nationalities have been killed.

Authorities also said a fire that broke out at an oil facility in Al-Ruwais in Abu Dhabi after a drone strike last week had been fully contained.

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al-Shamsi ordered the arrest of 25 individuals of various nationalities accused of spreading misleading digital content online that could undermine public security and stability.

Qatar

In Doha, Qatari air defenses said they repelled new Iranian drone attacks. Official figures indicate around 170 missile strikes and 78 drone attacks have been recorded, in addition to an attack by two fighter jets.

Qatar’s Ministry of Defense said Saturday that it intercepted four ballistic missiles and several drones launched from Iran.

Qatar Airways confirmed it will continue temporary suspending flights while the country’s airspace remains closed.

During a visit to the Abu Samra border crossing with Saudi Arabia, Qatar’s Minister of Municipality described the crossing as a vital gateway for goods entering the country and a key pillar for ensuring the steady flow of supplies under all circumstances.