The General Budget Committee convened its 13th meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi to review the draft general budget of the UAE for the fiscal year 2026. The session brought together key federal figures including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Also in attendance were Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and Khaled Mohamed Balama Al Tameemi, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, alongside representatives from the Presidential Court and the Ministry of Finance.
The committee discussed the draft budget as part of the broader 2022–2026 financial framework. The preparation, led by the Ministry of Finance in coordination with federal entities, reflects ongoing developments in both domestic and global economic conditions. The process adheres to the legal requirements outlined in Federal Decree-Law No. (26) of 2019 on Public Finance and its subsequent amendments.
The committee called for the necessary steps to finalise the 2026 draft federal budget for submission to the UAE Cabinet. It also reviewed budget proposals submitted by federal entities, ensuring alignment with strategic national objectives.
In addition to discussing the 2026 draft, the committee examined the UAE’s financial performance for 2025. This included an assessment of cash flows from the first half of the year and a projection of fiscal trends into 2026, underpinned by updated revenue estimates and expenditure projections across government sectors.
The overall outlook remains positive, supported by a sustained economic recovery and growth across key industries. The committee concluded by recommending further action and commending the Ministry of Finance for its coordination and technical efforts in preparing the draft budget.
–Input Dubai Media Office
