In a significant move during its second Cabinet reshuffle of 2024, the UAE appointed a new Minister of Defence (MoD). On Sunday, July 14, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Dubai crown prince, was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, joining the UAE's federal government. These appointments, which included seven changes, were announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who was the UAE's first defence minister since the unification of the Emirates in 1971, handed over the role to Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan after 53 years. Additionally, two Deputy Prime Ministers were appointed, increasing the total to five. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who also serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was appointed as one of the Deputy Prime Ministers alongside Sheikh Hamdan.
Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri was appointed as the new Minister of Education, succeeding Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi. This reshuffle also saw the integration of the Emirates Schools Establishment and the Federal Authority of Early Education with the Ministry of Education under Al Amiri's leadership. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research was re-established after a decade, with Abdulrahman Al Awar serving as its acting minister alongside his current role as Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The Ministry of Sports was re-established after over 16 years, with Dr Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, the former Minister of Education, now serving as its minister. Alia Abdulla Al Mazrouei was appointed as the new Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, bringing extensive experience from the private sector, venture capital, and entrepreneurship to her role.
