UAE Ministry of Finance annual report 2025 highlights AED71.5bn budget, tax reforms and AED9.9bn sukuk drive
UAE Ministry of Finance annual report 2025 underlines fiscal resilience with AED71.5bn budget, AED92.4bn 2026 plan, tax updates, AED9.9bn sukuk and digital finance push for investors.
The UAE’s Ministry of Finance released its annual report for 2025, outlining a year of financial consolidation and strategic reforms that the ministry says strengthened fiscal efficiency and global influence. The Ministry of Finance annual report 2025 details balanced federal accounts, a stepped-up budget for 2026, and policy measures aimed at broadening non-oil revenues and modernising public financial management. Senior officials described 2025 as a turning point in using digital tools and regulatory reform to boost long-term sustainability and investor confidence.
Sheikh Maktoum reviews the report and national vision
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reviewed the annual report and praised its alignment with national development goals. He framed the ministry’s work as part of a wider UAE strategy under the country’s leadership to promote sustainable, inclusive growth driven by innovation and human capital. The review emphasised the ministry’s role in positioning the UAE as a global model for stable, efficient public finances.
Federal budgets and macro-fiscal direction
The report records a federal budget of AED71.5 billion for 2025 with balanced revenues and expenditures. It also presents a planned general federal budget of AED92.4 billion for 2026, a 29 percent increase that officials say reflects both stronger revenue expectations and a commitment to funding strategic priorities. Ministry commentary links the larger 2026 envelope to continued investment in infrastructure, social services and economic diversification.
Tax reform and revenue diversification steps
Ministry documents highlight a continued push to develop non-oil revenue through targeted tax and compliance reforms during 2025. Measures included updates to corporate tax rules, adjustments to value-added tax mechanisms, revisions to excise tax frameworks and the rollout of electronic invoicing systems. Officials stressed that these steps aim to secure a fair, transparent and internationally aligned tax environment while supporting business competitiveness and the UAE’s medium-term fiscal position.
Islamic treasury sukuk programme and retail offering
In capital markets, the ministry recorded an active year for its Islamic treasury sukuk programme, executing nine successful auctions with total subscriptions reaching AED9.9 billion. For the first time, the report highlights the launch of a retail “Individual Sukuk” initiative designed to broaden participation in sovereign debt. The scheme allows citizens and residents to invest with tranche sizes starting at AED4,000 through digital subscriptions provided by three national banks, expanding retail access to Sharia-compliant sovereign instruments.
Digital transformation and innovation in public finance
A central theme of the report is the ministry’s emphasis on digital finance and the use of advanced technologies to improve decision-making. Officials describe efforts to embed artificial intelligence, enhanced data analytics and automated workflows across fiscal operations to raise efficiency and strengthen fiscal planning. The ministry framed these investments as necessary to create a more agile financial architecture capable of responding to global shocks and attracting high-quality investment.
International ratings and competitiveness indicators
The report underscores sustained sovereign credit strength and international recognition across key indices. The UAE retained strong sovereign ratings from major agencies and advanced in global competitiveness measures, with a cited improvement to 16th place in a government support index for 2025. Ministry commentary links these external assessments to disciplined fiscal management, clearer financial rules and upgrades to transparency and public reporting.
Officials also highlighted capacity-building initiatives launched in 2025 to develop national financial expertise, noting a new programme to train and deploy Emirati professionals into pivotal public and private sector finance roles. The ministry presented this human capital work as complementary to regulatory and technological reforms, contributing to long-term institutional resilience.
The report concludes by framing 2025 as a year in which policy adjustments, financing innovation and digital adoption combined to strengthen the UAE’s fiscal footing. The Ministry of Finance annual report 2025 is presented as a roadmap that supports the country’s broader economic visions while ensuring public finances remain secure, competitive and prepared for future challenges.