Qatar government reshuffle sees two new women ministers

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani announced on Tuesday a cabinet reshuffle, which includes two women.

Buthaina Al-Nuaimi was appointed as minister of education and higher education, while Mariam Al-Misnad was chosen to head the social development and family portfolio.

A third female minister, Hanan Al-Kuwari, retained her position as health minister, while amendments to the cabinet included the establishment of new ministries such as the ministry of environment and climate change.

Defence Minister Khalid bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah and Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, who both also serve as deputy prime ministers, retained their positions in the new cabinet.

The gas-rich emirate held its first ever legislative elections earlier this month, which were approved in a 2003 constitutional referendum.

The polls are for two-thirds of the advisory Shura Council, which will enjoy legislative authority and approve general state policies and the budget, but has no control over executive bodies setting defence, security, economic and investment policy for Doha, which bans political parties.