In a major overhaul of the UAE’s federal government structure on Monday, several ministries were restructured and new ministerial positions created to improve efficiency and effective delivery of services. The sweeping changes were announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during a live dialogue on Twitter. The new government will have fewer ministries, but more ministers handling national, strategic and dynamic portfolios. “In the new structure of the federal government, we will have a roadmap for outsourcing most of the government services to the private sector,” Sheikh Mohammad said. President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has approved the largest structural changes in the federal government, he added. The ministries restructured or merged include the ministries of education, higher education, health, labour, social affairs, environment and water, culture, foreign affairs and the cabinet affairs.   A Council of Youth chaired by a woman Minister of State for Youth whose age is no more than 22 years will be established. The council will have a group of male and female members who will serve as advisers to the government on youth issues. Similarly, a board of Emirati scientists, researchers and academics has been created to provide scientific advice and knowledge to the government. In another significant announcement, a new post of Minister of State for Happiness will channel policies and plans to achieve a happier society. “We introduced the post of Minister of State for Happiness whose mission is to channel policies and plans to achieve a happier society,” Sheikh Mohammad tweeted. (Gulf News)