UAE launches Federal budget yearbook 2026/Image: WAM
The UAE Ministry of Finance has launched the Federal Budget Yearbook 2026 under the theme “Investing in People, Securing the Future”, outlining how government spending will support social development, economic growth and long-term financial sustainability. The yearbook highlights a balanced federal budget of AED92.4 billion, reflecting the country’s focus on improving quality of life while strengthening financial stability.
Human-centred vision for national development
The Federal Budget Yearbook 2026 presents a vision that places people at the centre of the UAE’s development plans. According to the Ministry of Finance, the publication reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening financial transparency and ensuring that government spending aligns with national priorities.
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The yearbook highlights how financial planning is closely linked with the UAE’s long-term strategic goals. It also explains how government spending is directed towards sectors that support society and help build a prosperous and cohesive future.
Sheikh Maktoum: Budget supports sustainable future
H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, said the 2026 federal budget will help accelerate efforts to achieve the UAE leadership’s vision of a sustainable future. He said the budget focuses on investing in people, improving quality of life and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. Sheikh Maktoum also noted that government resources are being directed efficiently towards sectors that have the greatest impact on society.According to him, the budget preparation process continues to evolve in line with global economic changes. This approach has strengthened financial planning, improved the efficiency of public spending and increased federal revenues. It has also expanded the use of artificial intelligence in budget management, helping reinforce long-term financial stability.
Balanced budget and revenue growth
The 2026 federal budget maintains fiscal balance for the second consecutive year, with both revenues and expenditures reaching AED92.4 billion.This marks a significant increase compared with AED71.5 billion in 2025, representing a growth of nearly 29 percent. Officials said the balanced budget reflects the resilience of the UAE’s national economy and its ability to maintain financial stability despite global changes.
Key spending priorities
Government spending in 2026 will continue to focus on sectors that directly affect the wellbeing of society.The budget allocates:
- AED30.8 billion for public services
- AED16.9 billion for the education sector
- AED5.7 billion for healthcare development
- AED3.7 billion for housing programmes supporting family stability
- AED1.4 billion for economic affairs to support growth and development
- AED33.9 billion for other sectors
Officials said these allocations reflect the UAE’s strong focus on developing human capital and improving community wellbeing.
Strengthening financial sustainability
Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said the yearbook presents a comprehensive financial vision based on medium and long-term planning.He explained that the government is strengthening the connection between spending, performance and results to ensure public funds deliver the greatest impact. Financial sustainability efforts also include improving financial planning, managing public spending more effectively and diversifying revenue sources.Other priorities include strengthening public debt management and expanding partnerships between the public and private sectors, which support continued economic growth while maintaining fiscal balance.
Focus on transparency and future growth
The Federal Budget Yearbook 2026 also provides a detailed overview of how the federal budget is prepared and developed, in line with the UAE’s long-term goals such as UAE Centennial 2071.The publication highlights achievements and future targets across major sectors including education, healthcare, government services and the national economy. It also explains how the government is shifting towards measuring real outcomes and developmental impact rather than focusing only on financial figures.The yearbook also reflects the UAE’s focus on digital transformation, including the growing use of artificial intelligence to support decision-making, improve efficiency and reduce bureaucracy in government services.Officials said the publication aims to help the public better understand how government spending contributes to national development. It also strengthens transparency and public trust while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global model in modern public financial management. Go to Source
