Who are Sheikh Shakhbout and Khalifa Al Marar, the UAE's new Ministers of State?

A young former ambassador to Saudi Arabia and a long-serving diplomat take up new portfolios

Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan attends the the 2018 Formula E racing in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. The former ambassador has just been appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, then Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, at the 2018 Formula E Saudi Ad Diriyah E Prix. Image: Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

In 2018, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan walks around Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Reem Mohammed / The National

Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan speaks with Princess Charlene of Monaco on the final day of the 2018 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Image: Ryan Carter / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan greets King Salman. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Deputy Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman are also present. Image: Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

In 2019, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan with Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi (L), at the signing of the Riyadh Agreement between the Yemeni government and the Southern Transitional Council, at the Saudi Royal Diwan. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

In 2017, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, presents his credentials to King Salman. Image: Wam

Riyadh, 2017: Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chief executive and managing director of Mubadala Investment Company, and Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi at Arqa Palace. Hamad Al Kaabi / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

The UAE announced new foreign ministers of state in a 'mini-shuffle' of the Cabinet on Wednesday.

Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, will take up the post of Minister of State alongside Khalifa Al Marar, previously assistant minister of political affairs.

They were sworn in after Dr Anwar Gargash and Zaki Nusseibeh were appointed as advisers to the President Sheikh Khalifa.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on Wednesday presided over the swearing-in.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation said: "Al Marar has worked in the diplomatic service since 1978. Sheikh Shakhbout, who is part of the new generation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, has proven his ability by consolidating relations with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to which he served as Ambassador, and for which he was the subject of much praise."

Sheikh Abdullah added: "Their excellencies will join the other Ministers of State in managing the foreign policies of the UAE, in support of the political positions of the UAE and its relationships with international partners. Together they will work to strengthen the UAE’s position and build diplomatic capacity to uphold the interests of the state and its citizens abroad."

Sheikh Shakhbout and Khalifa Al Marar have been appointed to their new roles "due to their experience and outstanding achievements" at the ministry, according to Sheikh Abdullah. So who are they?

Sheikh Shakhbout

Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan previously served as the UAE ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He was appointed in 2017.

In 2019, he told The National "the sky is the limit" when it comes to his country's relationship with the neighbouring Kingdom.

Prior to that, he worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation between 2013 and 2014.

An elite level show jumper, he has also served as president of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation.

Sheikh Shakhbout holds a BA in applied science and applied media studies from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi and a graduate diploma from the Emirates Diplomatic Academy (now named after Dr Anwar Gargash) in 2017.

Khalifa Al Marar

Khalifa Al Marar started his diplomatic career in 1978 as an attaché at the UAE Embassy in Japan.

He has served as UAE Ambassador to Syria, Iran and Turkey, and Non-Resident Ambassador to Armenia.

Al Marar holds a bachelor degree in business administration and economy from the University of Sophia in Japan and a master’s degree in political economy from the New School of Social Research in New York, USA.