Federal Budget 2017
Prepared according to the zero-based budget model
In late October 2016, the UAE Cabinet approved the federal budget draft submitted by the Ministry of Finance (MoF)
for the fiscal year 2017, with a total spending of AED 48.7 billion as part of the five-year budget cycle 2017-2021,
estimated at AED 247.3 billion.
The budget was prepared in tandem with the zero-based budget principles adopted by the UAE, which is based on a
medium-term strategic operational plan that aims to monitor government financial performance, achieve the
developmental objectives and avoid over-expenditure or wasting of public funds; it is also consistent with initiatives
and projects adopted in the federal government strategy. The financial resources were utilised to achieve the highest
degree of prosperity and welfare for citizens and residents through focusing on health, education and community
welfare as key pillars for the development of society.
Budget Process
In the budgeting process, MoF was keen to have access to real cost through measuring the financial impact of all
government activities from the beginning and comparing them to the cost of similar activities undertaken by other
entities in the public and private sectors. The ministry also worked hard to enhance performance by following best
local and global practices in order to achieve a positive impact on society with government spending and attain the
highest returns possible.
