Image: Dubai Media Office/ For illustrative purposes
Dubai has approved its largest multi-year budget cycle, signing off on planned expenditure of Dhs302.7bn and projected revenues of Dhs29.2 bn for the fiscal years 2026 to 2028.
The decision was issued by Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in his capacity as Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.
The three-year plan aligns with broader targets to support sustainable economic growth and expand investment in sectors tied to digital transformation, space research, and artificial intelligence.
Dubai’s Department of Finance expects the cycle to deliver an operating surplus equal to up to 5 per cent of the emirate’s projected 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, said the approval of the biggest budget in Dubai’s history for the 2026-2028 cycle sends a clear message that Dubai’s journey of progress is driven by limitless ambition and a future-focused vision, and that the well-being and quality of life of Dubai’s residents remains the ultimate focus of all the government’s initiatives.”
The approval by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the highest budget in Dubai’s history for the 2026–2028 cycle is a clear message that Dubai’s ambitions know no limits, that its projects continues to advance without pause, and that the well-being and quality… pic.twitter.com/CDTBMvybPy
— Maktoum Bin Mohammed (@MaktoumMohammed) November 23, 2025
Key highlights of the budget
For 2026, Dubai has set expenditure at Dhs99.5bn, focused on development projects linked to the Dubai Plan 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Social services will take 28 per cent of spending, covering health, education, scientific research, housing, and community support. Security, justice, and safety will receive 18 per cent.
Infrastructure investments, including roads, tunnels, public transport, sewage, parks, energy, and waste systems, make up 48 per cent of the 2026 allocation.
Six per cent is set aside for government development initiatives.
Projected revenues for 2026 stand at Dhs107.7bn, including Dhs5bn in general reserves.
Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, DG of the Department of Finance, said the plan is built to be flexible and scalable, supporting fiscal sustainability and competitiveness. He said the 2026 budget reflects directives to expand government support for social development, citizen housing, digitisation, scientific research, and global competitiveness, while maintaining a funded general reserve.
Aref Abdulrahman Ahli, ED of the Planning and General Budget Sector at DOF, said the medium-term plan demonstrates financial stability built on disciplined policies.
He said the 2026 fiscal year is expected to achieve an operating surplus of 22 per cent of total government revenues.
Read: Dubai GDP expands 4.4% as key sectors post double-digit gains
