While these "feel-good" positions might be creating the most buzz, the changes are far reaching. The overall number of ministries is being reduced – with a sole Education Ministry instead of splitting higher education into its own organization. The Ministry of International Cooperation and Development is also being folded into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While the number of overall ministries is reduced, the government is increasing the actual number of ministers. The government will appoint a number of ministers of state – who have a portfolio but not a separate ministry. Both the happiness minister and the tolerance minister will be ministers of state. Sheikh Mohammed said that this was designed to allow the government more flexible in a changing world.