UAE approves record $25.2bn federal budget for 2026

The decision was made during the Council’s second session of the third ordinary term of the 18th legislative chapter, chaired by Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, at Zayed Hall in Abu Dhabi.

Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, attended the session, which reinforced the UAE’s sustained trajectory of economic confidence, stability and forward-looking financial planning.

Ghobash said that approving the 2026 budget—the largest in the nation’s history—reaffirms the UAE’s ongoing path of growth and stability.

He added that the country’s financial policies are rooted in confidence in its capabilities and its future-oriented economic vision.

UAE federal budget

He emphasised that the budget is more than a record number; it is a strategic signal of confidence that reflects the maturity of the UAE’s financial management, its commitment to balancing sustainability with development, and its focus on enhancing present well-being while preparing for the future.

During the session, Al Hussaini said the Cabinet’s approval of the AED92.4bn ($25.17bn) Union General Budget for 2026—compared with AED71.5bn ($19.48bn) in 2025—represents a qualitative leap of nearly 29 per cent.

He noted that this makes it the largest federal budget compared to previous fiscal years and reflects the strength of the national economy and the UAE’s commitment to supporting sustainable development.

He added that the 2026 federal budget represents an advanced model of financial planning based on future foresight.

Al Hussaini noted that the UAE’s fiscal policies are increasingly capable of responding to global changes and oriented toward generating added value for the national economy.

He highlighted the focus on vital sectors including education, health, infrastructure and social development, stating that investment in people and innovation is the most important driver of sustainable economic growth.