LoginSource: Gulf News, Business Recorder
Dubai has approved its largest-ever budget for 2025-2027, featuring record-breaking revenues of Dh302 billion and expenditures of Dh272 billion. Significant investments are planned for education, healthcare, housing, and transportation, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to long-term development and global competitiveness.
The Dubai budget was confirmed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who took to his X account to announce it. “ Today, we approved the Dubai Government’s budget for 2025-2027, with revenues of Dh302 billion and expenses of Dh272 billion, marking it as the largest budget in the emirate’s history. A substantial 46 percent of next year’s budget is allocated to major infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, energy, and water drainage networks, alongside the construction of a new airport. A 30 percent of the budget is dedicated to health, education, social development, housing, and other essential community services,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
Sheikh Mohammad acknowledged Dubai’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its residents, saying, “Next year’s budget will achieve an operating surplus of 21 percent of total revenues for the first time, aiming to establish long-term financial sustainability for the Government of Dubai.” He added, “This year, we also launched a Dh40 billion portfolio for public-private partnerships. Our goal is to preserve and safeguard our financial surpluses for future generations. Maktoum bin Mohammed is leading this dossier with competence, and we reaffirm our confidence in him and his team. Dubai moves confidently toward the future with solid, resilient, and sophisticated financial sustainability. The next phase promises even greater progress, and the best is yet to come.”
The fiscal year 2025 budget outlines estimated expenditures of Dh86.26 billion and projected
revenues of Dh97.66 billion. Moreover, a general reserve of Dh5 billion has been allocated, emphasizing Dubai’s dedication to advancing development projects, driving economic growth, and achieving the ambitious objectives of the Dubai Plan 2030, the Dubai Economic Agenda D23, and the Quality-of-life Strategy 2033.
| Fiscal Year | Revenue (in billion AED) | Expenditure (in billion AED) | Notes |
| 2023 | 69.0 | 67.5 | Emphasis on economic recovery post-COVID |
| 2024 | 77.8 | 79.0 | Focused on sustainability and innovation |
| 2025 | 97.66 | 86.26 | Record budget with a surplus focus and infrastructure investment |
2025’s budget focuses strongly on enhancing social services and elevating the quality of life across key sectors, including health, education, culture, and infrastructure. Initiatives such as the Education Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33 underscore this commitment. With an eye on sustainable development for all societal segments, the 2025-2027 budget cycle aligns with the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, positioning Dubai as a global leader in well-being and progress.
Dubai’s Strategic Plan 2030 And Economic Agenda D23
Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai Finance (DF), spoke up about 2025’s budget and its alignment with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2030 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, as well as the recently launched Dubai Cashless Strategy, which aims to position Dubai as the capital of the digital economy. He added, “ At DF, in collaboration with all government entities, we are dedicated to fulfilling the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and implementing the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. Our focus is on increasing government support for key areas such as social development, housing for citizens, enhancing government operations, digitalizing life in Dubai, advancing scientific research, boosting institutional agility, and strengthening the emirate’s global competitiveness.”
Government Expenditures And Its Sectoral Distribution for 2025
30% of government expenditures have been allocated to the social development sector in the 2025 budget, supporting key areas such as health, education, scientific research, housing, and assistance for families in need, women, and children. It also focuses on youth programs, sports development, and care for the elderly, retirees, and people of determination, aligning with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Education Strategy 2033. Meanwhile, 18% of the budget has been directed toward the security, justice, and safety sector, reflecting its vital role in ensuring the emirate’s stability and development.
The largest share of the budget is dedicated to infrastructure and related construction projects, accounting for 46% of total government spending. This includes investments in roads, tunnels, bridges, public transportation, sewage systems, parks, renewable energy projects, and the rainwater drainage network. The Al Maktoum Airport expansion and initiatives aimed at enhancing quality of life and advancing smart, sustainable transportation solutions in Dubai are among the notable projects included.
Additionally, 6% of the budget has been allocated to public services, emphasizing government excellence, creativity, innovation, and scientific research. These investments are designed to boost efficiency and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the emirate.