Dubai Approves Record Dh302.7bn Budget for 2026–2028
Sheikh Mohammed Approves Record Dh302.7-Billion Budget for Dubai (2026–2028)
Dubai has announced the largest budget cycle in its history, after His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, approved a record Dh302.7-billion budget for the fiscal years 2026 to 2028. The budget projects total revenues of Dh329.2 billion, achieving an operating surplus of 5 per cent—a strong indicator of Dubai’s financial stability and sustainable growth strategy.
As part of the three-year cycle, Sheikh Mohammed—who also serves as the UAE’s Vice-President and Prime Minister—approved the Dubai Budget for 2026, with Dh99.5 billion in expenditures and Dh107.7 billion in revenues, including a Dh5-billion general reserve to support future fiscal flexibility.
Breakdown of 2026 Expenditure Allocation
Dubai’s expenditure for the year will be directed toward key strategic sectors:
- Social development sector – 28%
Focused on health, education, family services, and community welfare. - Security, justice, and safety sector – 18%
Supporting policing, judicial systems, and public safety initiatives. - Infrastructure and construction projects – 48%
Nearly half of the yearly budget will enhance roads, bridges, public transport, parks, and major development projects. - Government development sector – 6%
Dedicated to modernizing government systems and improving service delivery.
Strategic Vision for the Future
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, emphasized that the budget aligns with Sheikh Mohammed’s long-term vision to double Dubai’s GDP and position the emirate among the world’s top three urban economies within the next decade. He highlighted that the budget balances ambitious development goals with sustainable economic management.
Officials noted that the medium-term financial planning approach ensures long-term fiscal sustainability and enhances spending efficiency. Annual contributions to the general reserve will strengthen Dubai’s resilience in navigating global economic shifts.
Focus on Social Development and Infrastructure
With over one-fourth of expenditures directed toward social development, Dubai continues to prioritize people-centric growth, improving services that directly support quality of life. The substantial allocation to infrastructure reflects the emirate’s commitment to continuously upgrading public facilities and urban services.
Major investments will support the development of advanced transportation networks, green spaces, and large-scale construction projects aimed at boosting Dubai’s global competitiveness.
Advancing Digital Transformation
Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at the Dubai Department of Finance (DOF), highlighted the government’s ongoing implementation of the Dubai Cashless Strategy, which aims to reduce the reliance on cash and expand the use of secure digital payment systems across the emirate. He noted that new initiatives are being developed to support Dubai’s strategic objectives and strengthen its public finance ecosystem.
Hamed Abdulghafoor Alawadhi, Executive Director of the Shared Services Sector at DOF, said the department plays a vital role in improving the government’s operational efficiency. He pointed out that the recently launched Dubai Government Unified Contact Centre (UCC) enhances communication with customers and delivers an integrated, streamlined experience across government entities.