United Arab Emirates announces major cabinet reshuffle

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president of the United Arab Emirates, announced a major cabinet reshuffle on Thursday.

Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as UAE prime minister and ruler of Dubai, announced via Twitter that six new government ministers had been appointed while four had been removed from office.

The shake-up will also see the creation of new ministerial portfolios for food security, advanced sciences and artificial intelligence.

According to Sheikh Mohammed, the three new ministries will be headed up by relatively young appointees.

The cabinet reshuffle, the UAE vice-president added, was decided upon following consultations with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed and UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.