Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has been appointed UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, as the country's federal cabinet underwent its most significant reshuffle in years. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the longtime Foreign Minister, was simultaneously elevated to Deputy Prime Minister — making him the second holder of that office.
Sheikh Hamdan Enters the Federal Cabinet
Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the formation of the new ministerial positions, stating: "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 the appointments were made in consultation with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and praised his son as "a leader who loves people, and whom people love."
Responding on X, Sheikh Hamdan expressed gratitude and commitment: "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. 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."
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Becomes Deputy Premier
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed will serve as Deputy Prime Minister while continuing to hold the Foreign Affairs portfolio concurrently. He also chairs the revamped Council for Education, Human Resources and Community Development, with Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed serving as Vice Chair.
Education Sector Restructured
The cabinet reshuffle brought sweeping changes to the UAE's education landscape. The Emirates Foundation for School Education and the Federal Agency for Early Education were merged into the Ministry of Education under a unified structure.
Sarah Al Amiri was named the new Minister of Education. Abdulrahman Al Awar was appointed Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, in addition to his existing duties. Ahmed Belhoul took on the role of Minister of Sports and President of the Higher Colleges of Technology. Alia Al Mazrouei was appointed Minister of State for Entrepreneurship.
A New Chapter in UAE Leadership
The appointments mark a significant generational step in UAE federal governance, formally integrating Dubai's Crown Prince into the national cabinet and reinforcing the country's unified leadership framework. Both Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Abdullah bring deep institutional experience to their expanded roles as the UAE continues to execute its long-term development agenda.
