UAE cabinet shakeup includes 8 female ministers

Eight female ministers were added to the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) government on Wednesday as part of a cabinet reshuffle, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said in a series of tweets.

Shamma Al Mazrui, a 22-year old and now the youngest minister in the world, was appointed as Minister of State for Youth Affairs. She will also lead the UAE Youth National Council.

Al Mazrui graduated from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and has a master’s in public policy from the University of Oxford, Sheikh Mohammed added.

As part of the shakeup, the cabinet added a Ministry of Happiness, which will also be led by a female minister. 

Meanwhile, Noura Alkaabi was appointed as Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, while Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi was appointed as Minister of State for Tolerance.

The government now has fewer ministries, but more officials sharing strategic and national roles.

Earlier this week, Sheikh Mohamed said the government would add new ministers and privatize some of its services with the aim of preparing for a post-oil economy. Women now make up about one-third of the Emirati cabinet.