His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has approved the Government of Dubai’s general budget cycle for the fiscal years 2026-2028 with a total expenditure of AED302.7 billion (US$82.42 billion) and total revenues of AED329.2 billion (US$89.64 billion) – the largest in the emirate’s history.
Sheikh Mohammed also approved the general budget for the fiscal year 2026.
Budget for the three-year cycle aligns with Dubai’s ambitions to promote sustainable economic growth, enhance community well-being, and solidify its reputation as a land of opportunity and innovation.
Dubai’s estimated expenditure for the fiscal year 2026 is AED99.5 billion (US$27.1 billion), while revenues are projected at AED107.7 billion (US$29.33 billion), including general reserves of AED5 billion (US$1.36 billion).
During the implementation of the 2026–2028 cycle, Dubai’s Department of Finance (DOF) expects to achieve an operating surplus of up to 5 per cent of the emirate’s projected GDP for 2026.
The budget reflects Dubai’s commitment to supporting development projects, stimulating macroeconomic growth, and realising the objectives of the Dubai Plan 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
It prioritises social services and the development of health, education, culture, and infrastructure projects, allocating funds according to strategic priorities.
People-centric development is at the heart of the budget, with 28 per cent of total expenditure allocated to the social development sector covering health, education, scientific research, housing, family welfare, youth, sports, seniors, retirees, and people of determination.
Infrastructure investments, also keeping its residents in mind, will form 48 per cent of total expenditure and include roads, bridges, tunnels, public transport, sewage systems, parks, renewable energy facilities, waste management, and service buildings.
The government also allocated 18 per cent of total expenditure to the security, justice, and safety sector, ensuring it remains one of the emirate’s globally recognised strengths through enhanced preparedness and operational excellence.
Six per cent of the total spending is allocated to government development initiatives that support performance enhancement and promote a culture of excellence, innovation, and creativity.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, said: “Dubai’s general budget cycle for 2026–2028 provides a financial roadmap that accelerates its ambitions to enhance the growth of its key sectors and solidify its position as a global economic centre.
“This budget reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to advance the emirate’s strategic objectives, most notably doubling Dubai’s GDP and positioning it among the world’s top three urban economies within the next decade, while maintaining a balanced approach between ambitious growth and economic stability, supported by prudent fiscal policies.
“The budget reinforces our commitment to future-focused sectors and ushers in a new phase of knowledge-driven, innovation-led growth in the digital economy. It expands opportunities for local entrepreneurship and supports a high-growth environment across all key sectors. The fiscal sustainability and competitiveness reflected in this budget further enhance Dubai’s appeal to global investors and innovators, laying a strong foundation for the emirate to realise its long-term aspirations and build a prosperous future.”
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, added: “The approval by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum 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.
“This budget is also a reminder that the future is being shaped today in Dubai, and that the city is built to inspire, lead, and continually set new benchmarks in urban development.
“This largest fiscal cycle in the emirate’s history demonstrates the strength of the Dubai Government’s financial framework and its planning capabilities. It serves to enhance the efficiency of government spending, maximise the economic returns on public investments, and maintain high levels of resilience in the face of global transformations. Dubai has adopted a disciplined fiscal approach that supports the emirate’s robust financial position and strengthens investor and market confidence in its ability to continue undertaking long-term development projects without compromising its financial stability.
“Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, government teams will continue to realise this forward-looking vision and work together across all sectors to ensure Dubai remains the most beautiful city, the best city to live in, and the best place to visit in the world.”
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