UAE approves AED 292.5B federal budget plan for 2027-2029

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UAE approves AED 292.5B federal budget plan for 2027-2029

October 13, 2026

DUBAI — The UAE has set its federal spending course for the next three years, with the Cabinet approving a general budget plan worth AED292.5 billion (approximately $79.6 billion) for 2027 through 2029, state-run news agency reported.

The approval came during a Cabinet session on Monday, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Within that three-year framework, the Cabinet also signed off on the budget for fiscal year 2027 alone, set at AED 90.1 billion ($24.5 billion).

Spending for the year ahead is spread across five sectors. Social Development and Pensions takes the biggest share at AED 34.6 billion ($9.4 billion), or 38.4% of the total.

Inside that figure, education programs for public and university levels receive 18.8%, healthcare gets 6.7%, pensions take 6.4%, social affairs receive 4.4%, and public services get 2.1%.

Government Affairs follows with AED 29.1 billion ($7.9 billion), or 32.3% of the budget. Federal Expenses account for AED 17.8 billion ($4.8 billion), or 19.7%.

The Financial Investments Sector receives AED 5.6 billion ($1.5 billion), equal to 6.2%, and the Infrastructure and Economic Sector is allocated AED 3 billion ( $817 million), or 3.4%.

Finance Minister Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also serves as First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, said the true measure of the budget lies in its long-term impact on society, not its size alone.

He said the spending plan is built to sharpen government efficiency and speed up projects that raise living standards for citizens and residents.

Spending on education and healthcare, he said, shows steady, long-term investment in people.

He linked this spending to stronger, more responsive public services, greater social unity, and progress toward the “We the UAE 2031” vision.

Sheikh Maktoum also pointed to a growing focus on artificial intelligence and data-driven financial analysis within the budget, along with simplified procedures meant to protect the economy from global shifts.

“We are not spending simply to meet the needs of today,” he said.

“We are investing in a proactive government services ecosystem that exceeds expectations and reinforces the UAE’s global leadership.”

He described the UAE’s financial strategy as a balance of three goals: driving economic growth, funding major projects, and maintaining strict fiscal discipline, alongside updates to tax and development laws.

This balance, he said, strengthens economic stability and the country’s international competitiveness.

Both the three-year plan and the 2027 budget were approved under Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2019 on Public Finance, as amended, along with its related resolutions.

Looking ahead, the government’s new planning cycle puts digital transformation at its center, with the UAE aiming to lead regionally and globally in adopting advanced technology and artificial intelligence across government work, economic activity, and financial planning.

Note: AED 3.6725 = US$1 (fixed rate, unchanged as of October 2026).

(With files from WAM)