Maktoum bin Mohammed: UAE success measured by sustainable impact and future prosperity

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, reviewed the Ministry of Finance’s 2025 Annual Report, titled “Financial Efficiency and Global Impact”, highlighting a year of strong achievements and continued progress in strengthening the UAE’s financial ecosystem.

The report outlines the Ministry’s role in shaping fiscal policy and driving national development priorities, reflecting the resilience of the UAE economy and its capacity for sustainable growth. It also underscores progress in advancing financial sustainability and reinforcing the country’s global leadership, in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ and ‘UAE Centennial 2071’ visions.

Sheikh Maktoum said the UAE continues to set a distinctive global model for sustainable development that empowers people, accelerates innovation, and drives leadership across sectors. He emphasised that the UAE’s achievements are measured by their sustainability and the value they create for future generations in terms of opportunity, prosperity, and global leadership.

He noted that 2025 marked an exceptional phase, during which global challenges were transformed into opportunities for growth. The Ministry strengthened the financial ecosystem and introduced agile legislation aligned with rapid digital transformation, helping attract quality investments and build strong public-private partnerships.

At the strategic level, Sheikh Maktoum highlighted the development of a forward-looking financial innovation ecosystem powered by digital solutions and artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making and protect national resources. He said these efforts reinforce the UAE’s position among the world’s most efficient and transparent financial systems.

The report revealed that the UAE approved a federal budget of AED 92.4 billion for 2026, marking a 29% increase compared to 2025. It also highlighted nine Islamic treasury sukuk auctions worth AED 9.9 billion, alongside the launch of initiatives such as “UAE Global Cadres” to support Emirati talent in international financial institutions.

Key developments included the advancement of fiscal policy frameworks, government accounting standards, and financial sustainability initiatives, as well as the introduction of AI-powered digital finance solutions. Progress was also made in developing the e-invoicing system and implementing a tiered excise tax model for sweetened beverages.

The Ministry continued to modernise legislative and tax frameworks, strengthening transparency, financial governance, and compliance with global standards. These efforts supported the diversification of non-oil revenues and reinforced the UAE’s competitiveness as a global financial hub.

The report also highlighted strong performance in debt markets, including the success of the Islamic Treasury Sukuk programme and the launch of the ‘Retail Sukuk’ initiative, which offers accessible investment opportunities starting from AED 4,000.

On the global stage, the Ministry expanded international partnerships through multiple agreements, strengthened tax cooperation, and enhanced the UAE’s role in global financial dialogue. The country also maintained strong sovereign credit ratings and improved its global competitiveness rankings.

The report concluded by emphasising the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to financial sustainability, digital transformation, and talent development, ensuring the UAE continues to lead as a global hub for public finance and sustainable economic growth.