Continuing with changes to the United Arab Emirates' government, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, has appointed Sarah Amiri as chairperson of a newly created UAE Council of Scientists.
The 29-year-old already served as Emirates Mars Mission Science Team Leader at the Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre . She previously served as director for the Department of Research and Development at Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology.
"When it comes to science and technology, the leadership understands that we need to move towards a knowledge-based economy and one of the foundations of this economy is science and technology which we need to build upon and the government sector is one of the cornerstones of that economy," Amiri told Gulf News in regards to her appointment. "This is a new era for the UAE. We’re always at the cutting edge of change in the region and that’s what we hope to see moving forward."
Amiri will lead a group of selected scientists and researchers in implementing development programs that will nurture a new generation of scientists, specialists and researchers.
"I take this as a strong indication that the UAE has a dynamic, sustainable government and a leadership that has a great vision on how to take the country forward and understand the challenges of moving in a fast-paced world and not being worried about change, but actually embracing the change." Amiri said.
The UAE has made several significant modifications to the federal government in the past few days, creating new cabinet positions including ministers for happiness, tolerance and climate change as well as for a representative of the youth. The new 29-member cabinet includes eight women .