The UAE has launched its federal budget cycle for 2027–2029, introducing a performance-based framework powered by artificial intelligence. This is part of a broader effort to modernize public finance and accelerate national development.

The Ministry of Finance announced the new approach, which aims to strengthen fiscal sustainability and ensure that government spending aligns with the country’s long-term strategic goals.

The rollout coincides with the launch of the federal government’s new strategic planning cycle, “Towards Achieving We the UAE 2031,” unveiled by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, highlighted the strategic shift, stating that achieving the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071 requires a future-ready financial system, one that can adapt to global changes and channel investments into high-impact initiatives. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging intelligent tools and advanced analytics to boost efficiency, enable data-driven decision-making, and support the country’s development objectives.

“Our vision is to transform the federal budget into a future-ready instrument that drives sustainable growth and elevates the quality of government services to new heights,” he said.

The government has confirmed that the new budget cycle will prioritize sectors impacting citizens’ well-being, including education, healthcare, social welfare, and essential public services. It also aims to enhance coordination among federal entities and ensure that spending contributes to sustainable economic growth.

According to the UAE’s state news agency WAM, the combined value of federal budgets across the past four cycles has reached $245 billion, highlighting the scale and ambition of the country’s financial planning.

The Ministry of Finance noted that the latest budget strategy builds on years of regulatory and digital reforms to strengthen governance. As of June 2025, public debt stood at $16.9 billion, while federal assets reached approximately $126.4 billion by the end of 2024, which highlights the UAE’s strong fiscal position.

Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini said the new cycle represents a shift toward results-based governance and enhanced institutional performance. “The Ministry’s transformation in recent years goes beyond legislative and digital reforms—it includes a complete redesign of the budgeting experience,” he noted.