Abu Dhabi: The Department of Finance – Abu Dhabi (DoF) has launched the 2026 Budget Cycle through a high-level event attended by over 450 senior officials from 65 government entities across the emirate.
This marks Abu Dhabi’s full adoption of the Performance-Based Budgeting (PBB) Model, which connects government expenditure to entity-level outcomes, ensuring measurable improvements in service delivery and societal well-being. The model also promotes transparency, and data-driven governance, and aligns with international best practices endorsed by the OECD.
Held as a major annual platform, the event included interactive and thematic sessions exploring the 2026 budget’s core pillars, with discussions on strategies for financial sector growth in line with Abu Dhabi’s strategic vision. DoF emphasized the importance of unified planning and innovative solutions to drive efficient resource allocation and strengthen financial sustainability.
دائرة المالية – أبوظبي تستضيف فعالية إطلاق دورة الموازنة لعام 2026، بهدف تعزيز جهود التحوّل إلى نموذج "موازنة البرامج والأداء" الذي يدعم ربط الإنفاق الحكومي بالأهداف الاستراتيجية، ما يسهم في تعزيز ريادة الإمارة في الابتكار والحوكمة المالية المستدامة. pic.twitter.com/7p3B9o31p6
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Her Excellency Buthaina Al Mazrouei, Director General of Government Financial Affairs at DoF, said that, “The 2026 Budget Cycle is a defining moment in our journey to reinforce an integrated financial system that places human well-being at the heart of fiscal policies. This exceptional event builds on the success of the 2025 cycle and reflects the department’s critical role in institutionalizing financial sustainability.
“Guided by the vision of our wise leadership, we continue to shape a financial ecosystem that aligns with Abu Dhabi’s development aspirations. By equipping government entities with the tools for smart, data-led, and priority-based planning, we are committed to delivering real, measurable results. Our ambitious vision, strong collaboration, and unwavering commitment to excellence will further position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for fiscal innovation and sustainability,” Al Mazrouei added.
In line with the budget’s performance-based approach, DoF also announced the launch of the Budget Excellence Award, a new initiative to recognize outstanding institutional achievements across six core values: collaboration, transparency, innovation, efficiency, impact, and excellence.
The award reflects DoF’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of strategic alignment, best-in-class financial practices, and continuous improvement.
Participants at the event also showcased a range of innovative practices aimed at improving public financial management and service outcomes, further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness.
The gathering acts as a formal launchpad for government entities to begin planning their 2026 budgets within a unified framework that supports national priorities and sectoral strategies.
To ensure consistent communication and effective implementation, the Department of Finance has introduced a comprehensive communications plan covering all phases of the budget cycle, from early planning to post-implementation follow-up, aligning with international financial governance standards.
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