FNC members back new UAE Cabinet

ABU DHABI // FNC members are optimistic that Tuesday's Cabinet reshuffle will help the country to continue its rapid development.

"As Sheikh Mohammed [bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai] said, changes will be in favour of the country," said Ali Al Nuaimi, an FNC member from Ajman.

The main moves were in health, energy and higher education. Foreign aid now falls under the new portfolio, the Ministry of Development and International Co-operation.

Dr Abdul Rahman Al Owais will remain as Minister of Health, as he has been since 2011.

But his role as Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, a job he held for much longer, falls to Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the former Minister for Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Ali Jassim, an FNC member from Umm Al Quwain, said this would allow Dr Al Owais to further his improvements in the country's health systems.

"In the year since his appointment he has started to change the health industry in the country," Mr Jassim said.

"He improved health services and provided medications. He got a taste of the problems. And he started to think of private hospitals."

Mr Jassim paid tribute to Sheikh Nahyan.

"Sheikh Nahyan played a huge role in higher education," he said.

"Most of the officials in the country are graduates of one of the three universities he has headed. This man played a big role to the country.

"We hope he plays a huge role in youth, like he did in education."

Having worked with students for so long would help Sheikh Nahyan in the role, said Mr Al Nuaimi.

"What Higher Education and [Culture, Youth and Community Development] have in common is youth," he said.

"So I think the leadership has a vision. They wanted this ministry to focus on youth of the UAE."

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak, who was the Minister of Public Works, will take over as Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research from his brother.

Mr Al Nuaimi and Mr Jassim agreed it was a sign that Sheikh Hamdan had managed his previous ministry well.

At the Ministry of Public Works, a new chief, Dr Abdullah Al Nuaimi, is unlikely to herald a change of direction as he was previously its under secretary.

"He should be able to play the best role," said Rashad Bukhash, an FNC member from Dubai.

osalem@thenational.ae