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.



Saudi Ambassador Inaugurates 3rd Phase of Lebanese Land Exports to the Kingdom

Part of Thursday’s inauguration ceremony. SPA
Part of Thursday’s inauguration ceremony. SPA
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Saudi Ambassador Inaugurates 3rd Phase of Lebanese Land Exports to the Kingdom

Part of Thursday’s inauguration ceremony. SPA
Part of Thursday’s inauguration ceremony. SPA

Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Dosari inaugurated on Thursday the third phase of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the resumption of Lebanese exports to the Kingdom.

The exports will pass through the Masnaa border crossing between Lebanon and Syria.

Thursday’s inauguration ceremony was attended by Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny, representing the prime minister, along with several government officials.

Rasamny praised the Kingdom’s decision to resume imports of Lebanese products, describing it as a direct support for the national economy and a step that opens new opportunities for Lebanese producers.

The ceremony also included the activation of the scanner at Masnaa. This was followed by an inspection visit to the site designated for the establishment of a new land border crossing center.


Oman Says Lasting Security in Strait of Hormuz Requires Regional Peace

Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 17, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 17, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
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Oman Says Lasting Security in Strait of Hormuz Requires Regional Peace

Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 17, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer
Vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 17, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer

Oman said lasting security in the Strait of Hormuz required permanent peace in the region and rejected further escalation or conflict, its foreign minister told his Japanese counterpart on Thursday, Reuters reported.

Iran has said a deal with Oman on new shipping lanes through the strait was in its final stages.


Faisal bin Farhan Stresses Diplomacy to Ease Regional Tensions

Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh on Wednesday (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh on Wednesday (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
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Faisal bin Farhan Stresses Diplomacy to Ease Regional Tensions

Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh on Wednesday (Saudi Foreign Ministry)
Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh on Wednesday (Saudi Foreign Ministry)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Wednesday reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to reducing regional tensions and preventing renewed conflict through comprehensive, sustainable diplomatic solutions addressing the sources of instability in the Middle East.

“Diplomacy, dialogue and peaceful means remain our priorities,” Prince Faisal declared during the third Saudi-Japanese Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in Riyadh.

Prince Faisal highlighted the decades-long relationship between Saudi Arabia and Japan, built on mutual trust and respect, and identified maritime security as a key shared priority.

He stressed the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in international waterways in accordance with international law, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab and other maritime passages must remain open, secure and free from threats.

The Saudi minister described Japan as an important economic partner and noted that Riyadh sought to expand cooperation in investment, energy, resources, supply chains, defense and technology, as well as the exchange of expertise and capabilities.

He reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia would remain a reliable partner for Japan, including in energy, while praising Tokyo’s efforts to strengthen economic resilience and stabilize global energy markets and trade.

Ahead of his visit to Riyadh and Muscat, Motegi noted that Saudi Arabia was playing a mediating role in talks between the United States and Iran and had seen its international influence expand significantly in recent years.

He pledged to deepen cooperation with the Kingdom as a strategic partner, particularly in ensuring stable energy supplies.

Toshihiro Kitamura, Japan’s assistant foreign minister and ministry spokesman, told Asharq Al-Awsat that cooperation between Riyadh and Tokyo was “strategic and encompasses all fields,” adding that future defense cooperation was possible.

Speaking at a news conference in Riyadh, Kitamura explained that Japan wanted to hear Saudi Arabia’s assessment of regional developments and strengthen coordination with Riyadh and Oman in support of peace and stability, particularly regarding Iran.

He noted that more than 95% of Japan’s crude oil imports passed through the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring its importance to global trade and the world economy.

Kitamura also expressed serious concern over Houthi attacks in Bab al-Mandab and indicated that Japan aimed to broaden bilateral cooperation beyond oil under the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 framework, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.