UAE splashes on education, health in record budget

The UAE cabinet yesterday announced a Dh 34.9 billion ($9.5bn) budget for 2008, the largest in the history of the federation, and an increase of Dh6.7 billion, or 28% on 2007.

The figure includes provision for a 70% increase in state salaries announced at the same meeting, including federal government, Interior Ministry and retired civilian and military personnel.

Education received a windfall with the largest allocation in the budget. Dh9.7 was earmarked for general and higher education, while Dh7.1 billion will be handed to the Ministry of Education for the development of school environments and technology.

The Ministry of Health was given Dh2.5 billion, representing a 66% increase, while Dh1.02 billion goes to the Interior Ministry to enhance the security sector. Plans include enhanced police capabilities, modernisation of civil defence equipment, and development of the e-passport and Emiratisation projects.

The Ministry of Justice will receive Dh199.4 million to modernise legislation, improve services and develop alternative litigation systems.

The Culture, Youth, Sports & Community Development is to benefit from a Dh 138 million grant aimed at preserving national identity, spreading cultural awareness, enhancing the role of youth and supporting the UAE Football Association.

The economy sector was granted a Dh 111.5 million boost to streamline its strategy of updating economic laws, providing attractive environment for investments and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.

A Dh137 million grant was earmarked to strengthen the Labour Ministry's efforts to develop a comprehensive demographic policy.

The 10 key programmes in the 2008 budget comprised: MoE's general education (Dh 6.5 billion), MoI's Police services (Dh 2.3 billion), MoH's curative services (Dh 1.9 billion), MoSA's social development (Dh 1.3 billion), MoFA's external affairs (Dh 1.2 billion), FEWA's electricity production & distribution (Dh 1.01 billion), UAE University's education services (Dh 1.06 billion), Higher Colleges of Technology's education services (Dh 800 million), MoPW's roads network (Dh 544 million), and MoI's internal affairs (Dh 515 million).

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