In a review of the Ministry of Finance’s 2025 annual report, titled Financial Efficiency and Global Impact, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, underscored the UAE’s continued drive toward sustainable economic resilience. The report, presented on June 9, 2026, outlines the Ministry’s role in shaping fiscal policy, highlights key achievements, and sets the stage for future growth aligned with the nation’s long-term visions.
A Vision for Financial Efficiency
Sheikh Maktoum emphasized that the UAE, guided by the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, remains a global model for sustainable development. The 2025 report charts how the Ministry balanced fiscal discipline with inclusive growth, turning global challenges into opportunities. “Our role extended beyond resource management to strengthening the sustainability of the national financial ecosystem,” Sheikh Maktoum said, noting the development of agile legislation that supports rapid digital transformation.
Digital Transformation and AI in Fiscal Policy
At the strategic level, the Ministry has built a proactive financial innovation ecosystem powered by digital solutions and artificial intelligence. Sheikh Maktoum explained that this initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of financial decision-making while safeguarding national resources for future generations. “This transformation reflects the Ministry’s commitment to equipping the national economy with advanced tools that strengthen the UAE’s ability to navigate global shifts with agility,” he added.
Budget Growth and Tax Reforms
The report reveals significant financial milestones. The UAE’s federal budget for 2025 reached approximately AED71.5 billion, balanced between revenues and expenditures. Looking ahead, the government approved a 2026 Federal Budget Plan valued at AED92.4 billion—a 29% increase over the previous year. This leap underscores the flexibility of UAE fiscal policies and their capacity to support future development priorities.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has continued to expand non-oil revenues by modernizing the tax system, strengthening compliance, and broadening international agreements. His Excellency Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, noted that 2025 was a pivotal year for translating leadership vision into tangible achievements. “We focused on modernizing legislative and tax frameworks to reinforce financial stability and enhance the UAE’s competitive, business-friendly environment,” he said.
Securing Resources for Future Generations
On sovereign resources, Al Hussaini highlighted the Ministry’s use of sophisticated financing tools and a fair, transparent tax system aligned with global standards. “This direction goes beyond supporting the federal budget,” he stated. “It aims to secure sustainable resources for future generations and ensure the country’s ability to finance major transformational projects.”
The report also introduced the 2025 Federal Budget Annual Report, titled Empowering the Future of Generations to Come, which includes comprehensive financial and non-financial analyses to enhance transparency and public understanding of fiscal priorities.
Global Impact and Next Steps
Sheikh Maktoum stressed that the UAE continues to actively shape global financial trends through policies that promote sustainable growth and international cooperation. “The Ministry’s 2025 Annual Report reflects the transformation of the UAE financial ecosystem, achieved through agile, sustainable policies rooted in efficiency, innovation and future readiness,” he said.
As the UAE marches toward the ‘We the UAE 2031’ and ‘UAE Centennial 2071’ visions, the Ministry’s work lays the groundwork for a future-ready financial system—one defined by resilience, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to global leadership. For readers interested in how fiscal policy drives national prosperity, this report offers a clear blueprint: balance innovation with discipline, and invest in systems that outlast short-term cycles.