Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council will debate on Tuesday the 2015 federal budget, which has been approved by the Cabinet at an estimated amount of Dh49.1 billion, an increase of Dh2.9 billion (6.3 per cent) from the financial year 2014.
Following the budget’s approval in October, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said investing in and meeting the needs of its citizens is the cornerstone of the UAE government policies, and represents a top priority in the national agenda for achieving the UAE Vision 2021.
“The federal budget for 2015 will go towards health, education, and social services, as well as developing government services for UAE citizens, in accordance with the vision of the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to provide prosperity, security and a decent life for all citizens,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
Some 49 per cent of the total federal budget for 2015, an estimated Dh24 billion, has been allocated for service projects, social development and social benefits. A breakdown of government expenditure showed that social development and social benefits sector received Dh24 billion, or 49 per cent of the total Union budget, while Dh20 billion (41 per cent of the total budget) went to the government sector affairs.
The budget allocated Dh1.8 billion (3.7 per cent) to the infrastructure and economic sector, Dh1.6 billion (3.2 per cent) to financial assets and Dh1 billion (2.1 per cent) to federal spending.
Questions
Dr Mona Al Bahar, a member from Dubai, will put a question to Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, about opening physical education faculties at the governmental universities.
Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Za’abi, a member from Ras Al Khaimah, will put a question to Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, about independence of the board of directors of the federal authorities. Al Gergawi will also be questioned by Mosabbah Saeed Al Katbi, a member from Sharjah.
Ahmad Ali Al Za’abi, a member from Sharjah, will question Sultan Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Justice, concerning criminalising of begging.
Abdul Aziz Al Za’abi will question Sultan Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, about freeing trade.
Hamad Ahmad Al Rahoumi, a member from Dubai, will ask Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, a question about application of HR rules of the federal autonomous authorities to workers of the Emirates Post Group.