UAE reshuffles cabinet, announces happiness and tolerance ministerial posts

UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced that an unspecified number of government ministries are set to be merged and a decision to “outsource” large areas of government services to the private sector.

The government reshuffle may have been affected by the falling oil prices, which has prompted many oil-rich Gulf states to reconsider their spending and encourage foreign investments.

“Governments must be flexible. We don’t need more ministries, but more ministers capable of dealing with change,” Sheikh Mohammed said through his official Twitter account.

“We want a young and flexible government that will fulfil our youth’s aspirations and achieve our people’s ambitions,” he added.

Sheikh Mohammed also announced the appointment of ministers of “tolerance” and “happiness” as part of the cabinet reshuffle. These are completely new positions.

“A new post, minister of state for happiness, will align and drive government policy to create social good and satisfaction,” he said.

“The post of minister of state for tolerance has been created to promote tolerance as a fundamental value in UAE society.”