New ministers sworn into office

 

  

Newly appointed ministers took their oath of office on Thursday and swore to work hard and be loyal to their ministerial roles.

 

In a ceremony held at Al Rowdah Palace, the new ministers were asked to contribute to the execution of the national development strategy drawn up by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

 

The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, expressed his hope that the strategy would be translated into concrete action to achieve more progress and prosperity for the country.

 

“We place our trust in you. We therefore hope you will stay focused while serving your country and people,” Sheikh Khalifa said.

 

He also touched on the greater number of women ministers included in the new government.

 

The increase in the number of females in the new cabinet reflects the vision of the nation and promotes the participation of more women in the shouldering of national responsibilities and duties and in the nation-building process, Sheikh Khalifa said on Thursday.

 

He wished the new government great success. “We, our people and our nation, look forward to seeing more good work from you for continuous development and progress of the UAE to greater heights to consolidate the excellent reputation our country commands at the regional and international levels.”

 

He said the new ministers should work towards attaining the national goals spelled out in the strategy drawn up by Sheikh Mohammed.

 

He said the country enjoys immense respect and ministers should work towards maintaining it. The ministers who are no longer part of the cabinet were thanked for their efforts and for serving the nation, and the President wished them success in their future careers.

 

Sheikh Khalifa joined the new ministers for a group photograph and Sheikh Mohammed later held a luncheon in their honour. (Wam)

 

 

List of New Ministers

 

The new ministers who have been sworn-in include: Minister of Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi; Minister for Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi; Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri; Minister of Justice Dr Hadef bin Jua’an Al Dhaheri; Minister of Labour Saqr Ghobash Saeed Ghobash; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Anwar Gargash; Minister of Environment and Water Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad; Minister of State for Financial Affairs Obaid Humaid Al Tayer; Minister of State Dr Maitha Salim Al Shamsi; Minister of State Dr Khalifa Bakheet Al Falasi, and Minister of State Reem Ibrahim Al Hashimi.