The UAE Ministry of Finance has released the Federal Budget Yearbook 2026 under the theme ‘Investing in People, Securing the Future,’ presenting a human-centered financial vision that places individuals at the core of national development planning.
The publication underscores the strength of the country’s financial system and its capacity to sustain economic progress despite evolving global conditions.
The yearbook highlights the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusive financial planning while demonstrating the strong alignment between fiscal policy and the nation’s long-term strategic priorities.
It also outlines spending pathways that prioritize people, supporting the development of a cohesive society and sustainable economic growth.
Budget to support sustainable development
HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the United Arab Emirates, said the UAE Federal Government Budget for 2026 will accelerate efforts to build a sustainable future focused on enhancing quality of life and investing in human capital.
Sheikh Maktoum noted that the budget reflects the government’s commitment to directing resources efficiently toward sectors that have the most direct impact on society while strengthening the national economy’s ability to respond to global developments.
The preparation of the federal budget continues to evolve in line with economic changes, improving efficiency in public spending and strengthening alignment between national priorities and fiscal policies.
The government has also expanded the use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, in budget management to enhance financial planning and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.
Balanced Budget and Increased Spending
The federal budget maintains fiscal balance for the second consecutive year, with revenues and expenditures both reaching $25.2 billion (AED92.4 billion), compared with $19.5 billion (AED71.5 billion) in 2025, marking an increase of nearly 29 percent.
Spending priorities continue to focus on sectors that directly impact community well-being. The public services sector receives $8.4 billion (AED30.8 billion), while education is allocated $4.6 billion (AED16.9 billion), reinforcing the country’s focus on developing human capital.
In addition, $1.6 billion (AED5.7 billion) has been earmarked for the healthcare sector to enhance medical services and quality of life, alongside $1.0 billion (AED3.7 billion) for housing to support family and community stability.
The budget also allocates $381 million (AED1.4 billion) for economic affairs to support development initiatives and economic growth, with $9.2 billion (AED33.9 billion) directed toward other sectors.
We launched the Federal Budget Yearbook 2026 under the theme “Investing in people, securing the future”, highlighting how closely our financial planning is aligned with our national priorities.
The UAE federal budget for 2026 sends a clear message: our resources are focused on… pic.twitter.com/YCUDwXUTvM
— Maktoum Bin Mohammed (@MaktoumMohammed) March 13, 2026
Strengthening financial sustainability
Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said the Federal Budget Yearbook 2026 outlines a forward-looking financial strategy grounded in medium- and long-term planning.
Al Hussaini emphasized that the government continues to strengthen the link between spending, performance, and outcomes to ensure that resources are directed to initiatives that deliver the greatest impact while maintaining high levels of efficiency.
Financial sustainability remains a strategic priority, supported by improved financial planning, diversified revenue sources, strengthened public debt management, and expanded public-private partnerships.
Aligning budget with long-term national goals
The yearbook also provides an overview of the methodologies used in preparing and developing the federal budget, in alignment with the country’s long-term development agenda, including UAE Centennial 2071.
It demonstrates how fiscal planning is closely integrated with national strategic objectives to drive sustainable growth.
In addition to outlining the federal budget framework, the publication highlights key achievements and future targets across priority sectors such as education, healthcare, government services, and the national economy. It also reflects the government’s commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and the development of national talent.
Advancing digital transformation in public finance
The yearbook emphasizes the growing role of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in supporting decision-making, improving operational efficiency, and reducing bureaucracy.
These technologies are helping government entities optimize financial outcomes and deliver services that better meet the needs of society.
By presenting the federal budget in a clear and engaging format, the publication aims to move beyond simply reporting figures to demonstrating the real developmental impact of government spending.
The initiative forms part of the federal government’s broader commitment to transparency and to strengthening trust with the community and its partners in the country’s financial policies.
The release of the Federal Budget Yearbook 2026 reinforces the UAE’s position as a global model in modern and effective public financial management while supporting its long-term development path and commitment to sustainable growth.
