UAE public debt report highlights strong fiscal efficiency: Sheikh Maktoum

Dubai: The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has launched the ‘Federal Government Public Debt 2022–2025’ report, titled 'Public Debt: Efficiency and Sustainable Financing', a strategic national reference that highlights the advanced policies adopted by the UAE in managing federal public debt through December 31, 2025.

The report underscores the UAE’s success in developing an advanced sovereign debt market that enhances economic stability and reinforces the efficiency of public resource management in line with the highest global standards. It reflects the institutional efficiency achieved in aligning financing needs with sustainable development objectives.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, said the UAE will continue to strengthen and upgrade its advanced economic system, driven by a long‑term vision and sustainable financial planning under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Maktoum said that over recent decades the UAE has built a strong and agile financial system capable of achieving major development milestones and adapting to global economic shifts, supporting national ambitions under 'We the UAE 2031' and the UAE Centennial 2071.

He added that public debt management is a strategic tool that balances spending efficiency with resource sustainability, strengthens financial system stability, and enhances access to diversified funding sources while providing policymakers with flexibility to address economic challenges.

Sheikh Maktoum said public debt management strengthens the UAE’s ability to maintain strong credit ratings, diversify funding sources, and support sustainable long‑term growth. He noted that the country’s achievements in domestic and international debt markets are the result of a clear vision and coordinated institutional approach, with robust hedging and risk management strategies ensuring financial stability and service continuity.

Minister of State for Financial Affairs Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini said the UAE places strong emphasis on improving public debt management efficiency as a core part of its advanced financial framework. He said the Ministry of Finance continues to develop sovereign debt instruments aligned with global best practices to support sustainable financial stability.

Al Hussaini added that since launching the first federal dirham‑denominated issuances, the ministry has steadily built a transparent, reliable, and investment‑friendly domestic debt market that supports economic diversification, broadens the investor base, and enhances market efficiency.

As of December 2025, the UAE conducted 23 Islamic Treasury Sukuk auctions totalling AED27 billion, alongside eight Government Treasury Bond auctions worth AED11.2 billion, all listed on Nasdaq Dubai.

The report also highlights four international US dollar bond issuances between 2021 and 2024 with a combined value of $10 billion, listed on the London Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Dubai, achieving subscription rates exceeding five times the offering size.

The report reaffirms the UAE’s strong sovereign credit ratings, including Aa2 from Moody’s, AA‑ from Fitch, and AA from S&P Global, all with stable outlooks. It also outlines the federal public debt risk management framework and highlights the launch of initiatives such as Fractional Treasury Sukuk and Bonds, which enable retail investor participation.

Overall, the report provides a comprehensive reference that reflects the Ministry of Finance’s commitment to financial sustainability and the development of sovereign debt markets through an integrated framework aligned with international best practices in transparency, governance, and risk management.