The UAE Ministry of Finance has initiated its federal budget cycle for 2027–2029 alongside the new strategic planning framework, “Towards Achieving We the UAE 2031”, aiming to shift the annual budget into a strategic tool for government entities. The move aligns fiscal policy with broader national goals, including digital transformation, competitiveness and infrastructure expansion.
HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, stated that the new cycle will reposition the budget as a driver of national objectives tied to the UAE Centennial 2071. He noted that the ministry is investing in advanced analytics and digital tools to enhance data-driven decision-making and ensure expenditures deliver maximum impact.
Since launching earlier cycles, the UAE has maintained a stable public debt of Dh62.1 billion (as of June 2025) and increased federal assets to Dh464.4 billion (as of the end of 2024). Over four successive cycles, total federal spending reached approximately Dh900 billion, while strengthening legislative frameworks and digital systems.
Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini highlighted process improvements: budget preparations were cut from 50 steps to 10, and procurement procedures were reduced from 60 days to under six minutes. The new cycle incorporates artificial intelligence and performance-based planning to accelerate operations, unify data access, and streamline services.
The 2027–2029 cycle directs funding towards education, healthcare, social welfare and digital infrastructure. It embeds AI-driven forecasting and scenario planning to improve allocation accuracy and operational efficiency. Through these reforms, the federal budget is being reshaped as a more innovative, results-oriented instrument, cementing the UAE’s position as a model for innovative public financial management.
