The UAE Cabinet has approved the federal budget for 2026, estimated at AED92.4 billion in both revenues and expenditures, marking the largest budget in the country’s history since the establishment of the Union.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.
In a post on X, Sheikh Mohammed said: “I chaired today’s Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, during which we approved the federal budget for 2026, with estimated revenues of AED92.4 billion and balanced expenditures of the same amount.”
He added: “The 2026 federal budget is the largest since the establishment of the Union.. a budget that strengthens the federal system and reflects our continued commitment to balanced and sustainable development.”
The Cabinet also approved the creation of a programme to support and reinforce the Federal Financial Centre through annual allocations from the federal budget. The initiative aims to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of federal institutions.
During the meeting, the Cabinet reviewed the results of the UAE’s 2024 National Agenda for Outward Foreign Direct Investment. The report showed that the country’s cumulative foreign investment abroad reached AED1.05 trillion, representing a 9 per cent increase from the previous year.
The UAE now ranks first in the Arab world and among the top 20 global economies in outward foreign direct investment.
Sheikh Mohammed said the figures reflect the strength and expanding global reach of the UAE’s economy. “Our investments continue to grow, our trade is accelerating, and our economy is moving steadily forward,” he said.
The Cabinet also approved 35 international agreements and memoranda of understanding in the fields of economy and cooperation. It reviewed the progress of the UAE’s export development policy, which saw exports rise from around AED470 billion in 2019 to AED950 billion in 2024, marking an increase of 103 per cent.
Sheikh Mohammed added: “Our budgets are balanced, our investments are growing, and our nation continues to advance in prosperity and stability under the leadership of my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Together, we continue to move from one peak to another, ensuring a dignified life for our people and all who call the UAE home.”
