Dubai, UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday (Jul 14) announced a major cabinet reshuffle as ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum appointed Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum as minister of defence and deputy prime minister. The ruler said Rashid Al-Maktoum's addition to the government will better help shape the country's future.

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“Sheikh Hamdan is a leader who loves his people and his people love him. We have immense confidence that he will be a great addition to the UAE government and a major contributor to shaping the country’s future,” Sheikh Mohammed said on X.

Additionally, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has also been appointed as deputy prime minister, in addition to the charge of foreign ministry.

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Moreover, Sarah Al-Amiri was named as Minister of Education, Ahmed Belhoul as Minister of Sports; Abdul Rahman Al-Awar as acting minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; and Alia Al-Mazroui as Minister of State for Entrepreneurship.

Who is Alia Al-Mazroui?

Of all, the appointment of Alia Al-Mazroui as Minister of State for Entrepreneurship has attracted much attention. Currently, she serves as vice chairman at Insurance House in the UAE. She is a board member of Finance House, the Dubai Trader Youth Council, the Abu Dhabi School of Management and the Abu Dhabi Business Women Council.

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Previously, she served as the Director General of the Human Resources Authority of Abu Dhabi from July 2020 to July 2022.

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She is an entrepreneur herself and has co-founded Foodsters Inc., a food and beverage consultancy, as well as the popular restaurant chain Just Falafel.

Her name was featured in the “100 Most Powerful Arab Businesswomen in the World 2017”, a global recognition of her leadership skills. She was also included in the list of “200 Most Powerful Arab Women in the World” in both 2017 and 2012.

(With inputs from agencies)