Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Abdullah appointed deputy prime ministers

Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, it was announced on Sunday. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs, was also appointed to the role of Deputy Prime Minister.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said he consulted President Sheikh Mohamed on the decision.

“We announce today the formation of a new ministerial position as follows: The joining of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in the UAE government as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence in the UAE Cabinet,” Sheikh Mohammed said. He described Sheikh Hamdan as “a leader who loves people, and whom people love,” expressing confidence in his addition to the government.

“We also announce today, as part of the government amendments, the appointment of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Deputy Prime Minister, in addition to his duties as Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

Sheikh Hamdan expressed his appreciation for the decision and renewed his commitment to preserving the spirit of the union.

“We thank His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for this precious trust and assignment,” he wrote on X.

“And we renew the pledge and promise to our wise leadership and our dear people to continue following the path of Zayed and Rashid, so that the flag of the Union remains flying and that we work in the spirit of one team.”

The changes included restructuring the Council for Education, Human Resources and Community Development in the UAE. Sheikh Abdullah will head the council, with his vice president Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed appointed as president of the National Centre for Quality Education.

“The Council of Education, headed by Sheikh Abdullah and with Sheikha Mariam as Vice-President, represents a guarantee of the stability and continuity of education plans and strategies,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

Additionally, the Emirates Foundation for School Education and the Federal Agency for Early Education are merged with the Ministry of Education. Sarah Al Amiri was appointed as Minister of Education. Abdulrahman Al Awar was named acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.