The UAE has appointed Suhail bin Mohammed al-Mazroui as its new energy minister, replacing Mohammed al-Hamli after eight years in the role.

Official news agency Wam, which announced the appointment, gave no reason for the departure of 60-year-old Al-Hamli, who took over as energy minister in November 2004.

Al-Mazroui works as deputy chief executive officer (CEO) and senior vice president of state-owned energy investment group Mubadala Petroleum and sits on the advisory committee of Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC).

The new cabinet, which was announced by prime minister and vice president Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, included several new ministers.

Sheikha Lubna al-Qasimi, the former minister of foreign trade, has been appointed minister of development and international cooperation. At the same time, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan, the former minister for higher education and scientific research, is now minister of culture, youth and community development.