(Abu Dhabi) – Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Cabinet has approved Dh140 billion general federal budget for 2014- 2016 during its session held at the Presidential Palace, up by 15 per cent compared to previous years. It also endorsed Dh46 billion for the federal budget of 2014, of which over half is allocated for the development and social welfare sectors.
Meanwhile, 21 per cent of the budget has been allocated to both general and higher education sectors. It will be spent on improving the general education and academic excellence programme in local universities. The Cabinet has also allocated Dh18.5 billion for the government affairs sector to upgrade and enhance delivery of services to citizens locally and abroad; and Dh3.7 billion to the health sector, Dh1.4 billion for housing programme and Dh400 million for the marriage fund.
The Council of Ministers hailed the efforts exerted to back the Dubai Expo 2012 bid in which the UAE leadership and people take great interest. It added that the UAE is fully prepared to host the world event.
The session was attended by H.H. Lt.-General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
