UAE Cabinet approves AED 292.5bn federal budget for 2027-2029

The UAE Cabinet has approved a federal budget covering 2027 to 2029, with total spending set at AED 292.5 billion, according to Gulf Business. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Gulf News also carried the announcement.

Key figures

The three-year envelope is 28.3% larger than the previous budget cycle, based on the figures reported. For 2027 alone, estimated spending is AED 90.1 billion.

The largest share of the 2027 allocation goes to social development and pensions, at AED 34.6 billion, or 38.4% of the year's total. Government affairs follows with AED 29.1 billion, equal to 32.3%. A fuller sector-by-sector breakdown was published as a graphic, and the remaining allocations were not available in text form at the time of writing.

Priority areas

The reported priorities include education, healthcare, housing, social services, employment and economic development. Community protection, technology, energy, infrastructure, culture, media and sport are also named, along with government affairs and international relations.

The Cabinet said the plan is meant to secure steady funding for priority programmes and strategic projects, improve how public resources are managed, and support long-term projects through a more continuous planning framework. It also aims to balance current needs against future investment while keeping public finances sustainable.

What it means for Dubai residents and businesses

A federal budget funds federal services and programmes, so it does not replace Dubai's own government budget. Even so, the emphasis on education, housing, employment and infrastructure signals where federal money is expected to be directed over the next three years. Businesses that work with federal entities, and residents who use federal services, may see the effects in programme funding and procurement.

The announcement does not include new fees, taxes or rule changes, and no such measures are reported. Details of individual programmes will depend on later announcements from the relevant ministries and authorities.