The UAE’s General Budget Committee convened its 14th meeting to discuss the draft general budget for the fiscal year 2026, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development and financial efficiency.
The high-level meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, as well as H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance. Also present were Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Khaled Mohamed Balama Al Tameemi, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), and representatives from the Presidential Court and the Ministry of Finance.
The committee reviewed the draft federal budget for 2026 as part of the 2022–2026 budget plan, incorporating updates following the directives issued at the 13th meeting held on July 10, 2025. The Ministry of Finance coordinated with all federal entities to finalize the draft, in line with Federal Decree-Law No. (26) of 2019 on Public Finance and its amendments, ahead of submission to the Cabinet.
Key discussions included the federal government’s cash flows for 2025, actual revenues recorded through August, and revenue forecasts for 2026, taking into account updated tax legislation and projections from federal entities. The committee also assessed the government’s financial position, highlighting substantial progress across various sectors and economic activities in 2025.
The committee further considered the requests of federal entities for financing strategic projects and reviewed the status of capital and development projects completed during the year, ensuring compliance with existing financial policies.
The UAE federal budget remains a cornerstone of the nation’s development agenda, designed with flexibility to accommodate evolving priorities while maintaining financial discipline. The committee emphasized that the budget supports the country’s long-term developmental and social goals and strengthens the UAE’s leadership in public finance and sustainable development.
The Ministry of Finance was commended for its efforts in updating the draft 2026 budget and coordinating effectively with federal entities. The Cabinet has already approved the general budget for 2025, estimating revenues and expenditures at AED 71.5 billion each, maintaining a balanced fiscal approach.
–Input GDMO
