Qatar ruler reshuffles cabinet

DOHA, Qatar

Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on Tuesday ordered a cabinet reshuffle that included the creation of an environment and climate change ministry.

The lineup saw the appointment of Ali bin Ahmad Al Kawari as finance minister, a role he held in an acting capacity since May.

Two women were appointed to lead the ministries of education and social development, joining Health Minister Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, who had been the only woman in the cabinet.

Lieutenant General Salem bin Hamad was also appointed chief of staff of the armed forces, replacing Ghanem bin Shaheen Al-Ghanim, who was given the ministry of endowments.

The cabinet reshuffle also saw the appointment of Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani as minister of environment and climate change, while there was no change in the foreign affairs, defense, health and justice portfolios.

Prime Minister Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz retained the interior ministry in reshuffle, which came more than two weeks after the country’s first legislative elections.

* Bassel Barakat contributed to this report from Ankara