Dubai has approved its largest multi-year budget cycle, endorsing planned expenditures of Dhs302.7 billion and projected revenues of Dhs29.2 billion for the 2026–2028 fiscal period.
The decision was ratified by Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his capacity as Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
The three-year framework supports broader strategic goals, aiming to sustain economic growth while boosting investments in sectors such as digital transformation, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
Dubai’s Department of Finance anticipates that the budget cycle will generate an operating surplus of up to 5 per cent of the emirate’s estimated 2026 GDP.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE, stated that approving the largest budget in Dubai’s history for 2026–2028 underscores the emirate’s ambitious, forward-looking vision, while prioritising the well-being and quality of life of its residents.
For 2026, Dubai plans expenditure of Dhs99.5 billion, concentrating on development projects aligned with the Dubai Plan 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Social services are allocated 28 per cent of the budget, encompassing health, education, scientific research, housing, and community support, while security, justice, and public safety account for 18 per cent.
Infrastructure projects—including roads, tunnels, public transport, sewage systems, parks, energy, and waste management—represent 48 per cent of the 2026 budget allocation.
Six per cent of funds are reserved for government development initiatives.
Projected revenues for 2026 are estimated at Dhs107.7 billion, which includes Dhs5 billion in general reserves.
Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director-General of the Department of Finance, highlighted that the plan is designed to be flexible and scalable, promoting fiscal sustainability and competitiveness. He noted that the 2026 budget reflects directives to enhance social development, citizen housing, digitisation, scientific research, and global competitiveness, while maintaining a funded general reserve.
