In a major step toward sustainable growth, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has sanctioned Dubai’s General Budget Cycle for 2025-2027. This cycle, the largest in the emirate’s history, encompasses a total expenditure of AED272 billion with projected revenues of AED302 billion, signaling Dubai’s dedication to solid economic strategies and an enhanced quality of life.
Strategic Allocation to Key Sectors
Significant portions of the budget are allocated to essential sectors:
- Social Development: 30% of 2025’s expenditures are aimed at improving health, education, housing, and social welfare.
- Infrastructure: 46% to drive ambitious projects, including Al Maktoum Airport, transport systems, and renewable energy.
- Security and Justice: 18%, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a safe, resilient city.
The 2025 budget aligns with Dubai’s strategic objectives, such as the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Quality-of-Life Strategy 2033, positioning Dubai as a global model of innovation and sustainable urban living.
Financial experts praise Dubai’s disciplined fiscal approach, seeing it as a stabilizing force amidst global economic shifts. His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai Finance, emphasized the budget’s focus on transparency, competitiveness, and investment appeal, stating, “Our plans prioritize financial sustainability and establish Dubai as a hub for digital transformation.”
Dubai’s forward-thinking policies include a projected general reserve of AED15 billion by 2027, highlighting 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 aims to boost Dubai’s cashless economy, targeting 90% digital transactions by 2026 and aligning with the Smart Dubai initiative, promoting seamless digital payment experiences.
