Dh41bn budget for 2011 approved

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of  Dubai, on Sunday chaired a UAE Cabinet meeting that approved the 2011 budget of Dh41 billion.

 
The Cabinet approved the federal government's budget for 2011-2013, which seeks to achieve sustainable development in the country, as per the vision of the UAE's wise leadership.

Federal expenditure during the three-year budget cycle is expected to be around Dh122bn, with Dh41bn appropriated for 2011 alone.

Much of government spending will focus on developing the education, health and social welfare systems, while infrastructure projects, the Marriage Fund and the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme will also receive strong financial support. 

The council of ministers went on to discuss and approve a number of agreements relating to patents, transportation, taxation, customs and aviation. Regulations concerning safety and food specifications were also endorsed during the meeting.
 
The UAE Cabinet meeting at Emirates Palace was attended by Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy  Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. 

Sheikh Mohammed also met  General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

They exchanged cordial talks about national issues and explored ways for enhancing the country's march of progress and prosperity under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

They hailed the achievements of the country in the reign of President Sheikh Khalifa and its comprehensive development that earned the UAE good reputation and position at regional and global levels.

They stressed that the next phase of development requires the concerted efforts of all citizens in every field to achieve more progress and prosperity.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance; Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor; Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister; Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Presidential Aviation; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, were present at the meeting at the Yas Links Golf Course.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works and Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, the members of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and a number of senior officials also attended the meeting and the following luncheon banquet.

While in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed ways of enhancing bilateral relations and took stock of the latest regional developments of mutual concern with Richard Olson, US Ambassador to the UAE, accompanied by US Consul General in Dubai Justin Siberell.
 
In another audience at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed and British Ambassador to the UAE  Dominic Jermey discussed means of boosting bilateral bonds. The envoy was escorted by Guy Warrington, British Consul General in Dubai.
 
Present at the meeting was Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance. The two meetings were attended by Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs; Reem Ibrahim Al  Hashemi, Minister of State, and a number of senior officials.

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