UAE BARQ برق الإمارات – نبضك
The government of the UAE is the first administration in the Arab world to prepare its budgetary planning for more than three years at a time, and this multi-annual approach is paying dividends when it comes to planning in earnest and making fiscal provisions for all its citizens, an editorial in a local English language daily has said.
On Sunday, the UAE Cabinet approved a new zero-deficit federal budget for the next three years, with the details being announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The editorial, in today’s edition of Gulf News, added, “It’s certainly noteworthy that this AED180 billion fiscal plan represents the largest ever monetary programme in the history of this nation since the first days of the Union.
“Proper fiscal planning is a skill that requires balancing the needs of every facet of government with the economic realities that exist. Indeed, laying down solid financial foundations ensures that this nation can continue on its path of growth and meet all of the constituent needs of its citizens. And making sure that the three-year plan is zero-deficit based ensures that the nation’s public finances are based on prudent and fundamentally sound principles. If there’s one message here that we all could take note of, it is that prudent planning with money is essential and we all must live within our means.”
“This three-year budget, however, meets the criteria of serving and servicing the needs of all here who call the UAE home. The budget plans that some 59 percent of expenditure will go towards education and social development. Certainly, it’s good news for the young and curious minds in our nation’s schools, and the government’s investment in education is an investment too in the hopes, dreams and ambitions of all,” the editorial noted.
It continued, “Added to this, the UAE Cabinet also adopted new laws for the space and advanced technology sectors, and the very need for statutory provisions to regulate these sectors speak to the success and benefits of previous investments by the government in these sectors. All these steps are paying huge dividends in our ambition to reach for the skies and beyond.”
The paper went on to say, “Certainly, this AED180 billion budget too takes into account the previous investments made in making sure that the government services of the UAE fully utilise and engage the latest technological advancements, delivering services in a smart and highly efficient manner through the use of e-services.”
“These modern delivery systems ensure the government of the UAE is providing value for its money, and that officials are held to account by open and transparent governance practices, making sure that all of the nation’s citizens are able and professionally served at all times,” concluded the Dubai-based daily.
