Dubai government approves record-breaking budget

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved a historic budget for the emirate’s government covering the years 2025-2027, the Government of Dubai Media Office said on Tuesday. The budget outlines total expenditures of $74.bn (Dhs272bn) against projected revenues of Dhs302bn.

The 2025/27 budget aligns with future ambitions to promote sustainable economic growth, enhance community well-being, and solidify Dubai’s reputation as a land of opportunity and innovation.

The expenditure for fiscal year 2025 alone is estimated at Dhs86.26bn, with revenues projected at Dhs97.66bn, as the emirate seeks to accelerate economic growth, support the objectives of D33, and consolidate its position as a global economic powerhouse. The budget also includes a general reserve of Dhs5bn.

“Last year, we established a general reserve that is deducted annually from revenues to support financial stability, which is scheduled to reach about Dhs15bn for the years 2025-2027. This approach of reserving annual surpluses promotes financial sustainability and strengthens the financial position of the emirate,” said Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, the Director General of Dubai Finance.

اعتمدنا بحمدالله اليوم ميزانية حكومة دبي 2025-2027 بإيرادات تبلغ 302 مليار درهم .. ومصروفات 272 مليار درهم وهي الأضخم في تاريخ الإمارة ..

تم تخصيص 46% من ميزانية العام القادم لمشاريع البنية التحتية من طرق وجسور وطاقة وشبكات تصريف المياه بالإضافة لإنشاء المطار الجديد .. و30% من…

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 29, 2024

“During the implementation of the three-year financial plan, we expect to achieve an operating surplus of up to 4 per cent of the expected GDP for the year 2025, anchoring the foundations of financial sustainability for the emirate.”

The 2025 budget prioritises social development with a significant allocation of 30 per cent of total government expenditures. The investment targets key areas such as healthcare, education, social welfare, youth development, and housing.

It allocates a significant 46 per cent of total government spending to infrastructure development. The investment will fund projects that enhance Dubai’s urban landscape, transportation network, and sustainable energy infrastructure covering transportation, utilities, energy and the aviation sector.

Furthermore, 6 per cent of the budget is earmarked for public services, government excellence, and innovation to advance government performance and foster a culture of creativity and innovation.

Read: How the UAE’s record budget will be spent in 2025