Dubai: In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has approved Law No. 15 of 2025 regarding the Government of Dubai's general budget cycle for the fiscal years 2026-2028, along with the Dubai Government's general budget for the fiscal year 2026. The approved budget cycle for 2026-2028 encompasses a total expenditure of AED302.7 billion and total revenues of AED329.2 billion, marking it as the largest in the emirate's history. The cycle aims to promote sustainable economic growth, enhance community well-being, and solidify Dubai's reputation as a hub for innovation and opportunity.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Department of Finance (DoF) anticipates achieving an operating surplus of up to 5% of the emirate's projected GDP for 2026 during the implementation of the 2026-2028 cycle, thereby ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, highlighted that the budget cycle provides a financial roadmap to accelerate the growth of key sectors and solidify Dubai's position as a global economic center.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan further noted that the budget aligns with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision to double Dubai's GDP and position it among the world's top three urban economies within the next decade. The budget supports a balanced approach between growth and economic stability, backed by prudent fiscal policies. It underscores a commitment to sectors focused on knowledge-driven, innovation-led growth, particularly in the digital economy, while expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurship.
The budget cycle embodies Dubai's forward-looking vision with strategic investments in space research, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. The estimated expenditure for the fiscal year 2026 is AED99.5 billion, with a focus on supporting development projects, stimulating macroeconomic growth, and realizing the objectives of the Dubai Plan 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Significant allocations have been made in the 2026 budget, prioritizing social services and the development of health, education, culture, and infrastructure projects. The projected revenues for 2026 stand at AED107.7 billion, including a general reserve of AED5 billion. Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of DoF, emphasized the importance of a flexible financial plan to enhance fiscal sustainability and transparency, which are crucial for attracting investments.
The budget demonstrates a strong commitment to people-centric development, with 28% of the total expenditure allocated to social development, covering various sectors such as health, education, and housing. Infrastructural investments account for 48% of the projected government expenditure, while 6% is allocated to government development initiatives.
Aref Abdulrahman Ahli, Executive Director of the Planning and General Budget Sector at DoF, emphasized that the medium-term financial planning and three-year budget plan reflect the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and directives from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The budget showcases Dubai's stable financial position, attributed to disciplined financial policies.
The DoF continues to advance digitalisation and reduce reliance on cash through the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and reinforces the emirate's status as a global hub for the digital economy. Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at DoF, highlighted efforts to strengthen transparency and enhance competitiveness through innovative revenue collection systems.
Hamed Abdulghafoor Alawadhi, Executive Director of the Shared Services Sector at DoF, emphasized the role of the sector in supporting the Dubai government ecosystem by boosting operational efficiency and enhancing service quality. The 2026 Budget supports these efforts by providing resources to advance technical infrastructure and drive innovation in shared services, aligning with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for a smarter and sustainable government.