Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the largest budget in the emirate’s history, covering the fiscal years 2026–2028. The three-year financial plan sets total expenditure at AED 302.7 billion (approximately US$82.4 billion) and projects total revenues at AED 329.2 billion. This budget cycle is strategically aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the goal of positioning Dubai among the world’s top three urban economies by 2033.
The record expenditure signals a major push by Dubai to accelerate growth in key sectors, strengthen infrastructure, and pursue innovation-led economic expansion. The budget allocates a massive 48% of total expenditure to infrastructure and construction projects, including roads, bridges, public transport, and renewable energy facilities. Additionally, 28% is earmarked for social development across health, education, housing, and family welfare, underscoring a people-centric approach to growth.The government expects an annual operating surplus of up to 5% of Dubai’s projected GDP for 2026 across the cycle. This strong financial outlook allows the emirate to maintain fiscal stability and allocate a general reserve of AED 5 billion for the fiscal year 2026 alone. This disciplined fiscal policy reinforces Dubai’s appeal to global investors and innovators, supporting a high-growth environment focused on digital and future-focused sectors.
