Under the directives of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has announced a government reshuffle.
The changes include the establishment of the Ministry of Family and the elevation of the Ministry of Community Development to become the Ministry of Community Empowerment.
“Under the directives of my brother, the President of the UAE, and with his blessing, we announce today a government reshuffle that includes the establishment of the ‘Ministry of Family.’ This new Ministry will be led by Her Excellency Sana bint Mohammad Suhail, whose extensive experience in early childhood development, family welfare, and supporting people of determination, along with her years of dedicated service in government, makes her uniquely qualified for this critical role,” Sheikh Mohammed said, according to a statement by the Dubai Media Office.
UAE announces reshuffle with focus on family and community support
The Ministry of Family will develop policies, strategies, and initiatives to strengthen family cohesion, promote values, enhance national identity, and support balanced family development.
It will address challenges such as fertility rates, family breakdown, and the integration of vulnerable groups. Responsibilities include marriage support, parental training, child welfare, and family care programs.
The ministry will also regulate social care institutions and provide training for the social care sector.
Sana bint Mohammad Suhail has served as the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority since April 2021. She has also held various roles, including Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Development and Assistant Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai. She holds master’s degrees in International Relations and Diplomacy from Zayed University and Child Rights from the University of Geneva.
“Family is a national priority, the cornerstone of our progress, and the foundation of our nation’s future. During the recent Annual Government Meetings, the UAE President underscored the need for comprehensive national programs aimed at increasing family formation in the UAE, fostering growth, empowering families, and strengthening their cohesion and stability, while also boosting fertility rates. The new ministry will take charge of this vital mission by developing legislation, policies, and programs to address these challenges. This task is not the ministry’s alone. It is a shared responsibility involving parents, ministries, entities, as well as the public and private sectors,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
The Ministry of Community Development has been elevated to become the Ministry of Community Empowerment. Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui will lead the ministry, which will implement an integrated community empowerment model, oversee social support systems, and regulate the third sector and not-for-profit organisations. The ministry will focus on enhancing community participation and supporting low-income families towards financial independence.
“The ministry will oversee the social support system and empowerment programmes, providing a safety net for low-income families and tailored pathways to improve their quality of life and foster their financial independence,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
The Ministry of Community Empowerment will also regulate not-for-profit organisations, develop policies for social support, and oversee initiatives to strengthen social cohesion. Responsibilities include managing social support applications, licensing non-Muslim houses of worship, and fostering volunteering initiatives across various fields.
The ministry aims to create an inclusive community and align contributions with national priorities.
“The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, led by Abdullah bin Zayed and Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed, will oversee the development of strategic directions in the family and community empowerment portfolios, and the alignment between the plans of the new ministries, linking their directions with education and human development within a unified and a comprehensive vision. The human journey in the UAE is integrated and interconnected from birth to the completion of education, to the career pathways, to the growth of families, and to the contribution to the community and the country,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Transitional plans will ensure that services from the former Ministry of Community Development remain in place while the new ministries’ roles are activated. Beneficiaries will be notified of updates through official channels.
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