Dubai's record budget bets big on quality of life

AT THE CORE OF 3-YEAR PLAN IS HOW PEOPLE EXPERIENCE CITY

- BY JUSTIN VARGHESE

Dubai’s record Dh303 billion budget for 2026-28 is built around one clear priority: improving how residents and businesses experience the city.

The three-year cycle directs funding to the services people use every day while supporting Dubai’s wider shift towards a more innovative, competitive economy.

A substantial 28 per cent of spending is allocated to social development. That includes health care, education, housing programmes, youth facilities, senior services and support for people of determination. You'll see this in strengthened hospital capacity, improved schools and wider access to community programmes.

Another 18 per cent goes to security, justice and public safety. Dubai’s consistently high safety rankings are tied to continuous investment in readiness and emergency response.