AI-driven, performance-based approach aligns with UAE Centennial 2071 goals, strengthens public services, and accelerates digital innovation
In a landmark move to redefine financial governance, the UAE Ministry of Finance has launched the federal general budget cycle for the 2027–2029 period, introducing a future-focused, AI-powered framework designed to drive national priorities, bolster fiscal sustainability, and reinforce the UAE’s long-term strategic vision.
This new budget cycle marks a significant transformation in how the federal government allocates and manages public funds. It positions the budget not merely as a financial plan, but as a strategic tool to deliver on the UAE’s ambitious objectives—ranging from enhancing global competitiveness and accelerating digital transformation to strengthening the nation’s role as a leading global financial hub.
A Strategic Financial Framework for National Vision
The launch coincides with the federal government’s strategic planning cycle titled “Towards Achieving We the UAE 2031,” which is intricately linked to the broader UAE Centennial 2071 vision. This forward-looking approach integrates flexibility, agility, and digitalisation into the fabric of public financial management, ensuring the UAE remains well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of its citizens and residents.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, emphasised that the upgraded cycle reflects a paradigm shift in fiscal governance.
“Achieving the UAE Centennial 2071 goals requires a financial system that is agile, data-driven, and capable of reallocating resources toward high-impact opportunities,” he said.
Tech-Enabled, Performance-Based Planning
At the heart of the new cycle is a performance-based, results-driven budgeting model. Leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced analytical tools, the Ministry of Finance is investing in a digital infrastructure that enables predictive financial modeling, enhances planning accuracy, and facilitates real-time, data-driven decision-making.
This transformation aims to not only improve the quality and speed of government services but also ensure optimal impact from every dirham of public spending.
Key technological enhancements include:
- Integration of AI for predictive financial scenarios
- Unified data access across federal entities
- Drastically reduced procurement and budgeting steps
Institutional Reforms for Efficiency and Transparency
As part of this redesign, the Ministry has streamlined the entire budgeting process. According to Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, the new cycle simplifies budget preparation, cutting steps from 50 to just 10. Similarly, procurement timelines have been reduced from 60 days to under six minutes—reflecting the ministry’s commitment to speed, efficiency, and digital agility.
“We are now enablers, offering a digitised and customer-focused approach to support federal entities,” Al Hussaini stated.
Fiscal Strength Rooted in Stability
The launch of this cycle builds on four earlier strategic budgeting phases that collectively underscore the UAE’s strong financial footing:
- Federal budget reached nearly AED 900 billion
- Public debt held at AED 62.1 billion as of June 2025
- Federal assets surged to AED 464.4 billion by end of 2024
These figures reinforce the UAE’s capacity to manage its financial commitments while investing in national growth.
Prioritising Sectors That Impact Lives
Reflecting the government’s human-centric approach, the 2027–2029 budget will prioritise critical sectors such as education, healthcare, social welfare, and essential government services. These investments are aligned with the broader sustainable development goals and ensure that the country’s financial policies directly enhance the wellbeing of its people.
A Visionary Financial Blueprint
The UAE’s 2027–2029 federal budget cycle represents more than just a fiscal plan—it is a visionary blueprint for national transformation. With AI integration, strategic planning alignment, and institutional innovation, the UAE continues to set new global benchmarks in financial governance.
By transforming the budget into a strategic, agile, and results-oriented tool, the nation is laying a strong foundation for achieving its Centennial 2071 aspirations—ushering in a future defined by resilience, innovation, and prosperity.
