In a landmark move, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has approved Dubai’s General Budget Cycle for the fiscal years 2025-2027 under Law No. (23) of 2024. The approved budget, marking the largest in Dubai’s history, allocates AED272 billion ($74 billion) for expenditure and expects AED302 billion ($82.22 billion) in revenue. This significant budget reflects Dubai’s commitment to sustainable growth, community welfare, and its strategic vision as a global center for opportunity and innovation.
For the fiscal year 2025 alone, Dubai’s budget includes AED86.26 billion in expenditures and AED97.66 billion in revenues. Additionally, a general revenue reserve of AED5 billion has been designated to support economic growth and development projects, enhancing alignment with Dubai’s broader 2030 Plan, Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Quality-of-Life Strategy 2033.
The 2025 budget allocates 30% to social services, enhancing sectors like healthcare, education, housing, and support for vulnerable groups. Infrastructure projects, including transportation systems, renewable energy facilities, and the Al Maktoum Airport expansion, account for 46% of the budget, while security and justice sectors receive 18% to ensure ongoing development.
His Excellency Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director-General of Dubai Finance, emphasized financial sustainability through disciplined policies, achieving a projected AED15 billion reserve over the three-year period. Aref Abdulrahman Ahli, Executive Director of the Planning & General Budget Sector, noted the fiscal year 2025 budget reflects Dubai’s stable financial position, aiming for an operating surplus of 21% of total revenues.
In line with the Dubai Cashless Strategy, the budget supports the city’s digitalization push, including the rollout of the Smart Installment and Biometric Payment systems, while expanding digital fee collections to enhance convenience and efficiency across public and private sectors. By 2026, Dubai aims for 90% cashless transactions, underscoring its dedication to financial transparency and global competitiveness.
