JEDDAH: The UAE has launched its federal budget cycle for 2027–29, introducing an artificial intelligence-driven, performance-based approach aimed at accelerating national development and supporting the country’s long-term strategic ambitions.
The Ministry of Finance announced the new cycle as part of broader efforts to modernize public financial management, enhance fiscal sustainability, and align government spending with national priorities.
According to the state news agency WAM, the total value of the UAE’s federal budgets across the past four consecutive cycles has reached 900 billion dirhams ($245 billion).
The announcement coincided with the unveiling of the federal government’s new strategic planning cycle, “Towards Achieving We the UAE 2031,” launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president, prime minister of the UAE, and ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, first deputy ruler of Dubai, deputy prime minister, and minister of finance, underscored the importance of the new budget framework, emphasizing that “achieving the ambitions of the UAE Centennial 2071 requires a financial system that is agile and future-focused, a system that can respond to global shifts and direct government spending toward high-impact opportunities.”
He added that, to achieve this, the Ministry of Finance is investing in intelligent tools and advanced analytical models designed to enhance financial efficiency, maximize impact, and support data-driven decision-making aligned with the nation’s developmental, economic, and social objectives.
“Our vision is to transform the federal budget into a future-ready instrument that drives sustainable growth and elevates the quality of government services to new heights.” he said.
The government said the budget cycle would prioritize sectors that directly impact citizens’ lives, including education, healthcare, social welfare, and core government services.
It also aims to promote integration and coordination among federal entities while directing spending toward initiatives that support sustainable economic development.
Over the past several years, the ministry has implemented regulatory and digital reforms to strengthen financial governance. Public debt remained stable at 62.1 billion dirhams as of June 2025, while federal assets increased to approximately 464.4 billion dirhams by the end of 2024—demonstrating the UAE’s robust financial position.
Mohamed bin Hadi Al-Hussaini, minister of state for financial affairs, said the latest budget cycle reflects a shift toward results-based governance and improved institutional efficiency.
“The ministry’s transformation over recent years extends beyond legislative and digital reforms to include a complete redesign of the budgeting experience.” he said.
