Dubai, UAE – In a groundbreaking announcement, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, revealed the appointment of national hero and astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi as the Minister of Youth on Saturday.
AlNeyadi’s Stellar Journey to Ministerial Leadership
The search for the ideal candidate commenced in September 2023 when Sheikh Mohammed issued a call for a candidate who possessed knowledge about the UAE, courage in representing the nation, and a deep passion for serving the homeland. Thousands of Emiratis responded within hours, demonstrating a keen interest in the position.
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AlNeyadi’s Unwavering Commitment to Youth Issues
While several nominations were received, Sheikh Mohammed disclosed that Sultan AlNeyadi’s name stood out consistently. The astronaut, celebrated for becoming the first Arab spacewalker and spending a record-breaking 186 days in space, showcased his dedication to youth-related issues.
In his announcement, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized AlNeyadi’s proximity to youth concerns and his eagerness to serve and advance their interests. Despite taking on the role of Minister of Youth, Sultan AlNeyadi will continue his scientific and space-related responsibilities, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to excellence in space exploration.
Inspiring Message from Sheikh Mohammed
Addressing AlNeyadi directly, Sheikh Mohammed conveyed an inspiring message, stating, “We want our youth to have their feet rooted in their land, their history, and their culture and their heads in the sky.” He expressed confidence that the nation’s youth, led by figures like AlNeyadi, would contribute significantly to the UAE’s global competitiveness.
AlNeyadi’s Historic Achievements
The 42-year-old astronaut etched his name in history last year with a series of remarkable achievements. Not only did he become the first Arab spacewalker, but he also set a regional record for the longest space mission, during which he conducted over 200 experiments on the International Space Station.
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A Stellar Team: Other Key Appointments
Alongside AlNeyadi’s appointment, Sheikh Mohammed announced four more significant appointments. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will serve as Deputy Prime Minister for Financial and Economic Affairs. Mohammed bin Mubarak Fadel Al Mazrouei is appointed Minister of State for Defence Affairs and a member of the Council of Ministers.
Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, known for leading the UAE’s bid for COP28, will transition to her new role as Head of the Office of International Affairs for the UAE President at the end of her term as Minister of Climate Change and the Environment. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi will take over as Minister of Environment and join the Council of Ministers.
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Sheikh Mohammed’s Vision for 2024
Sheikh Mohammed concluded by expressing confidence that 2024 would be the UAE’s greatest year in history, with these newly appointed leaders contributing to the nation’s continued progress and success.
This announcement marks a significant moment in the UAE’s commitment to nurturing its youth and advancing its position on the global stage. As the nation ventures into a promising future, these appointments reflect the leadership’s dedication to excellence in various fields.
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