The UAE Ministry of Finance announced the UAE Cabinet’s approval of the Public-Private Partnership Manual. The manual aims to provide a comprehensive policy and procedural framework to enable federal government entities to implement developmental and strategic projects efficiently, leveraging private sector expertise in financial, administrative and technological areas.
The manual encourages private sector participation in national and strategic projects to maximise societal and economic benefits. It supports investment in joint projects between federal entities and the private sector, outlining operations and processes for designing, planning and implementing projects. The manual provides guidelines to ensure transparency and clarity for all stakeholders involved in partnership projects.
Roles and responsibilities
The manual defines the roles and responsibilities of relevant entities and documents procedures related to public-private partnership contracts and their governance. It covers proposals from the private sector, market studies, value-for-money assessments, project structuring, and management, in line with Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2023 on regulating federal public-private partnerships.
The manual includes:
- Instructions for prioritising partnership projects.
- Evaluating proposed projects through comprehensive analysis.
- Selecting partners and submitting bids and offers to potential private sector partners.
It aims to standardise mechanisms, standards, and conditions for implementing partnership projects.
Public-private partnership
Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, highlighted that the UAE is progressing towards empowering and enhancing its path to sustainable economic growth. He stated, “In a world where cooperation and integration between the public and private sectors are fundamental pillars for achieving the nation’s aspirations and strengthening its position, this cooperation aims to achieve better value in public spending.”
He added, “The UAE Ministry of Finance is keen on enhancing the partnership between the public and private sectors, recognising their significant role in the social and economic development of the UAE, thereby promoting sustainable economic growth and ensuring comprehensive prosperity for all members of society.”
Al Hussaini described the manual as a practical step forward and an open invitation for the private sector to actively participate in and positively contribute to the UAE’s major strategic projects and the national economy.
Priority sectors
In collaboration with strategic partners, the UAE Ministry of Finance has identified priority sectors for the first phase of future partnership projects. These sectors include infrastructure, energy, healthcare, social services and education.
The ministry aims to build and manage integrated and effective strategies, enhancing cooperation and dialogue between the public and private sectors. This collaboration is crucial for economic activity. The ministry also aims to improve governance frameworks to maintain government efficiency and flexibility and develop relevant tools.
This initiative is expected to transfer knowledge and experience from the private sector to federal entities, train federal employees in managing and operating projects and implement projects that provide added value for public funds.
