Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved Dubai's largest budget cycle in history, for the years 2026 to 2028.

The budget lists total expenditures of Dh302.7 billion, and total revenues of Dh329.2 billion, with an operating surplus of 5 per cent.

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Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as the UAE's Vice-President and Prime Minister, approved the Dubai budget for 2026 at a total expenditure of Dh99.5 billion, along with total revenues of Dh107.7 billion, with a general reserve of Dh5 billion.

The expenditure allocation for the budget are as follows:

• Social development sector: 28 per cent

• Security, justice, and safety sector: 18 per cent

• Infrastructure and construction projects sector: 48 per cent

• Government development sector: 6 per cent

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the budget reflects the Dubai Ruler's "vision to advance the emirate's strategic objectives, most notably doubling Dubai's GDP and positioning it among the world's top three urban economies within the next decade." The budget also helps balance ambitious growth and economic stability, he added.

The budget will help ensure long-term fiscal sustainability, with an annually funded general reserve, and the medium-term financial planning will help enhance spending efficiency, top Dubai officials said.

With over one-fourth of the expenditures allocated to social development, the emirate is placing an emphasis on health, education, family welfare, and people-centric development.

The emirate seeks to constantly better its public facilities as nearly half of the expenditures for 2026 go toward infrastructure – roads, bridges, parks, public transport.

Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at Dubai's Department Of Finance, said:“The emirate continues to implement the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which aims to position the emirate as a global benchmark in reducing reliance on cash and expanding the adoption of secure, smart digital payments. We continue to develop initiatives that support Dubai's strategic objectives and advance its public finance ecosystem."

Hamed Abdulghafoor Alawadhi, Executive Director of the Shared Services Sector at DOF, said:“The Sector plays a pivotal role in supporting the Dubai government ecosystem through specialised programmes that boost operational efficiency and enhance services quality. Additionally, the recently launched Dubai Government Unified Contact Centre (UCC) provides a platform that enhances communication with customers and delivers an integrated experience, reflecting seamless collaboration across government entities,” he added.

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