Sign in
Sharjah gov’t approves largest budget in its history: Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi greenlit Sharjah’s largest budget to date for next year, coming in at AED 42 bn, and marking a 2% increase in expenditures compared to the previous year, Wam reports. This follows the Sharjah Consultative Council’s approval of the draft budget for 2025 in yesterday’s session.
The breakdown: The new budget allocates 27% to salaries and wages and 23% to operational expenses, while 20% is dedicated to capital projects, ensuring ongoing investment in infrastructure. Debt repayment and interest obligations account for 16% of the budget, marking a 2% rise from 2024. Support and aid allocations represent 12%, with capital expenditures at 2%.
By sector, the infrastructure sector receives the largest share at 41%, a 7% increase from 2024. The economic development sector is allocated 27%, and the social development sector maintains its share at 22%, ensuring essential services for residents. The government administration, security, and safety sector accounts for 10%, reflecting an 8% increase.
On the revenue side, the budget anticipates an 8% increase in general revenues compared to 2024. Operating revenues will constitute 74% of total revenues, with a notable 16% growth. Tax revenues are projected to grow by 15%, while customs revenues remain steady at 4%. Oil and gas revenues will account for 2% of total revenues for 2025.
In context: The Federal National Council approved the UAE’s largest national budget to date in November, totaling AED 71.5 bn for both revenues and expenditures, while also integrating the Union General budget with the budgets of independent federal entities for the year 2025.
