The UAE is set to enter 2026 with its largest federal budget in history, signaling a strong commitment to balanced development, financial sustainability, and global economic expansion. The Dh92.4 billion budget, coupled with rising foreign investments and soaring exports, reflects the country’s continued prosperity under visionary leadership.
Record breaking federal budget
On Monday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, chaired a Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where the 2026 federal budget was approved.
- The budget projects Dh92.4 billion in revenues, with balanced expenditures of the same amount, marking it as the largest in UAE history since the Union’s formation.
- Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that the budget strengthens the federal system and demonstrates the nation’s commitment to balanced and sustainable development.
- The Cabinet also approved a programme to support and reinforce the Federal Financial Centre, funded through annual federal allocations to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of federal institutions.
Growth in foreign direct investment
The Cabinet reviewed the UAE’s National Agenda for Outward Foreign Direct Investment for 2024, reporting a cumulative outward FDI of Dh1.5 trillion, representing a 9% increase over the previous year.
- This growth positions the UAE as the leading Arab economy and among the top 20 global economies in outward foreign investment.
- Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that these figures reflect the strengthening global presence of the UAE’s economy, with investments continuing to expand alongside accelerating international trade.
Expansion of exports and international cooperation
Key milestones in trade and cooperation were also confirmed during the meeting:
- 35 international agreements and memoranda of understanding were approved across economic and cooperative sectors.
- The UAE’s export development policy led to exports rising from Dh470 billion in 2019 to Dh950 billion in 2024, a 103% increase.
Sheikh Mohammed noted that these developments highlight a thriving economy, where budgets are balanced, investments are growing, and foreign trade is expanding, contributing to sustained prosperity and stability under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
