In a significant move towards sustainable growth, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved Dubai’s General Budget Cycle for 2025-2027. This budget cycle, the largest in the emirate’s history, includes a total expenditure of AED272 billion and anticipated revenues of AED302 billion, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to robust economic strategies and enhanced quality of life.
Strategic Allocation to Key Sectors
The budget has earmarked significant portions for critical sectors:
- Social Development: 30% of 2025 expenditures, targeting health, education, housing, and social welfare.
- Infrastructure: 46% to support ambitious projects, including Al Maktoum Airport, transport networks, and renewable energy.
- Security and Justice: 18%, reinforcing Dubai’s safe, resilient city position.
The 2025 budget aligns closely with Dubai’s strategic goals, including the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Quality-of-Life Strategy 2033, aiming to position Dubai as a global innovation and sustainable urban living model.
Financial experts applaud Dubai’s disciplined approach to fiscal management, citing it as a stabilizing force amid global economic shifts. His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai Finance, highlighted the budget’s emphasis on transparency, competitiveness, and investment attractiveness, stating, “Our plans prioritize financial sustainability and position Dubai as a hub for digital transformation.”
Dubai’s forward-thinking policies include a general reserve projected to reach AED15 billion by 2027, reflecting the emirate’s proactive approach to fiscal sustainability.
Previous budgets have demonstrated Dubai’s adaptability, contributing to an operating surplus of 21% in recent years. The new cycle is designed to enhance Dubai’s cashless economy, targeting 90% digital transactions by 2026, and aligns with the Smart Dubai initiative, promoting seamless digital payment experiences.
