Social sector is of top priority in UAE budget

Abu Dhabi - The UAE Cabinet has approved the federal government budget estimated at Dh48.557 billion with zero deficit.

The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the federal government budget estimated at Dh48.557 billion with zero deficit.
During their meeting at the Presidential Palace here on Sunday, they also discussed other government affairs issues and adopted a number of decrees.
Shaikh Mohammed said the UAE government strategies are following the direction of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to utilise all resources to ensure the happiness of the Emirati people as well as strengthen the image of the UAE.
"Investing in Emiratis and meeting their needs are the basis of government work and has a priority in the National Agenda to reach the goals of the UAE 2021 Vision. Our priorities in the 2016 budget will be geared towards social development, education and health. Maintaining the first rank requires having all resources that enable the Emirati people and its government to reach these goals," Shaikh Mohammed added.
The 2016 federal government budget gives priority to services that touch on the lives of the people and more than 50 per cent of the budget has been allocated in the following sectors: education (21.2 per cent), social development (15.5 per cent), public services (11.1 per cent) and health (7.9 per cent). The budget has also allocated amounts for other sectors, such as defence, housing, public safety, economic, environment and culture.
Also present at the meeting were Lt-Gen. Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
The government seeks to manage financial resources and efficiency and benefit from strategic partnerships to serve the nation.