Dubai: The UAE has announced a substantial cabinet reshuffle, resulting in the appointment of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum as both the Minister of Defense and one of the Deputy Prime Ministers. Dubai's ruler and UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum confirmed this development on X, previously known as Twitter.

Sheikh Hamdan, widely known by his nickname Fazza, has been a prominent figure in Dubai's ruling family, actively serving as the Crown Prince of Dubai since 2008. The 41-year-old has garnered immense popularity, boasting 16.4 million followers on Instagram, making him a significant figure in UAE's leadership and public relations.

Another high-profile appointment is that of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who retains his role as Foreign Minister and assumes the position of Deputy Prime Minister. Sheikh Abdullah has been instrumental in shaping UAE's foreign policy and fostering international relations.

These appointments are part of a broader reshuffle aimed at invigorating various sectors of the UAE government. New appointees include Sarah Al-Amiri 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.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum praised Sheikh Hamdan, stating, 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.

The reshuffle signifies a strategic move to bolster the UAE's governance structure, promoting younger and dynamic leaders to key positions. Sheikh Hamdan's dual roles as Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister indicate a focused effort to streamline the UAE's defense policies while maintaining a strong leadership structure within the government.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar from India extended his congratulations to the newly appointed leaders. In a series of tweets, he congratulated Sheikh Hamdan on his new roles and expressed confidence in continuing strong India-UAE ties under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah.

The India-UAE relationship has seen significant growth, with both nations enhancing their cooperation across various sectors. In August 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE resulted in the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Following this, both countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in February 2022, and in July 2023, introduced a Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System to facilitate cross-border transactions using the Indian rupee and the UAE dirham.

The economic ties have flourished, with bilateral trade volume reaching approximately USD 85 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23. The UAE has emerged as a leading foreign direct investor in India, highlighting the robust economic partnership between the two nations.

Moreover, the UAE's inclusion as a special invitee during India's G20 presidency and the launch of the India-UAE-France trilateral in February 2023 have further cemented the international standing of the UAE. The UAE has also joined significant international groups such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS, with India's backing.

The reshuffle reflects the UAE's commitment to progressive leadership and strategic international alliances. Sheikh Hamdan's influence is expected to shape the UAE's defense policies decisively, bolstering the nation's security framework. His appointment, alongside other key positions, signals a proactive approach to governance and international diplomacy.