The Ministry of Finance is of the firm belief that human capital is at the centre of all sustainable development. The federal budgets have focused on plans and initiatives to develop infrastructure, improve education and health care, as well as enhance the performance of all sectors that serve the needs of citizens and residents, while prioritising benefits and social development. These sectors also received the largest share of the federal general budget for the fiscal year 2019, which reiterated the need to provide a decent life for government employees, provide the highest levels of security and judicial services to citizens and residents, and deliver outstanding educational programs. The latter plays a pivotal role in building future generations, and will help create a knowledge-based economy.

Through this budget, the UAE is looking to achieve a bright future with well-conceived measures toward economic and social development by fostering an environment conducive for investments and innovation. The cabinet's decision last February not to increase any federal government fees for three years in order to raise the competitiveness of the UAE and stimulate the business environment of all federal agencies will contribute to sustainable economic and social development in the country.

Over the past 47 years, the total federal budget of the United Arab Emirates exceeded one trillion and one hundred and forty nine billion dirhams – it has doubled more than 300 times. For context, the federal general budget in 1972 was 200 million dirhams, while in 2019 the budget amounts to 60.3 billion dirhams. This growth is a testament to the progress, development and prosperity that the country has consistently achieved over the past decades.