UAE Approves $68.6 Bln Federal Budget for 2023-2026

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, chairs the cabinet meeting on Monday. (WAM)
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, chairs the cabinet meeting on Monday. (WAM)
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UAE Approves $68.6 Bln Federal Budget for 2023-2026

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, chairs the cabinet meeting on Monday. (WAM)
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, chairs the cabinet meeting on Monday. (WAM)

The cabinet of the United Arab Emirates, chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, approved on Monday the federal budget 2023-2026, with a total estimated expenditure of AED 252.3 billion and estimated revenues of AED 255.7 billion.

A budget for the year 2023 has been allocated, with total estimated expenses of AED 63.066 billion, and total estimated revenues presented for approval amounted to AED63.613 billion, reported the state news agency WAM.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, noted that the government prioritizes the prosperity of the people of the UAE.

He noted that under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE has laid solid foundations for the government work system to accelerate advancing sustainable development.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “The federal budget is an essential pillar in the UAE’s development process, and the directives of our wise leadership help us achieve our development and social requirements for the coming years.”

He emphasized that the federal budget is subject to continuous reviews in order to keep pace with all changes, trends, and directives.

“Our goal is to ensure that the Federal Government operates with the highest standards of financial efficiency,” he added.

“The financial resources of the federal budget are sustainable, and the budget’s main objective is to strengthen the Federal Government in pursuit of its developmental, economic, and social goals,” he stressed.



Trump on Trade Talks with Beijing: Ball in China's Court

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt takes a question during a daily press briefing. (AFP)
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt takes a question during a daily press briefing. (AFP)
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Trump on Trade Talks with Beijing: Ball in China's Court

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt takes a question during a daily press briefing. (AFP)
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt takes a question during a daily press briefing. (AFP)

US President Donald Trump believes it is up to China, not the United States, to come to the negotiating table on trade, the White House said Tuesday.

“The ball is in China's court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don't have to make a deal with them,” said a statement from Trump read out by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a briefing.

“There's no difference between China and any other country except they are much larger,” she added.

While Leavitt maintained that Trump was open to a deal with Beijing, she stressed that it was China that needed to step forward first -- pointing to the strength of the US consumer market as leverage.

Trade tensions between Washington and Beijing have been flaring, and the situation has worsened since Trump took office in January.

Trump initially imposed tariffs on imports from China over its alleged role in the fentanyl supply chain -- and recently stepped up those levels sharply over trade practices that Washington deems unfair.

This year alone, Trump has imposed an additional 145% tariff on many goods from China, stacking atop duties from previous administrations.

This involved 20% over fentanyl and other illicit drugs, as well as 125% over trade practices.

Trump's administration has, however, allowed certain tech products like smartphones and laptops temporary reprieve from the latest levy.

Meanwhile, Leavitt said the Trump administration has been presented with offers from at least 15 nations for bespoke trade deals following the President’s announcement last week of a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs.

“We’ve had more than 15 deals, pieces of paper, put on the table — proposals that are actively being considered,” Leavitt said during her regular briefing.

She then clarified that no agreements had been finalized yet, but predicted deals should be happening “soon.”