Saudi King Salman shakes up government amid slump in oil revenues and replaces top ministers

RIYADH – Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Saturday made sweeping changes in government, replacing a number of top ministers including long-time Energy Minister Ali Al Naimi. The shake-up comes as Saudi Arabia grapples with a slump in energy revenues. A look at the changes stipulated in the royal decree:
  • Khalid Al Falih, previously Health Minister, to serve as new Energy Minister
  • Tawfiq Al Rabiah to serve as Minister of Health
  • Majed Al Qasabi to serve as Minister of Trade
  • Sulaiman Al Hamdan to serve as Minister of Transport
  • Mohammad Saleh Benten to serve as Minister of Haj
  • Ministry of Petroleum is renamed Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources
  • Ministry of Water and Electricity is abolished
  • Ministry of Agriculture to take responsibility for water
  • Ministry of Commerce and Industry is renamed Ministry of Commerce and Investment
  • Ministry of Labour will now merge with Ministry of Social Affairs
  • General Authority for Entertainment to be established
  • Authority of Culture to be established
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