The value of financial aid and other social benefits provided by the Federal Government to UAE citizens in the first nine months of 2019 increased to Dh5.55 billion ($1.51 billion), a two percent rise compared to the same period in 2018.

Government expenses categorised as financial aid and social benefits accounted for 14.7 percent of the total Federal Government expenses in the first nine months of 2019 valued at Dh37.8 billion, reported Emirates news agency Wam, citing figures released by the Ministry of Finance.

Detailed financial information on budget spending in 2019 showed that the value the financial aid provided to UAE citizens from January to September 2019 totalled Dh2.135 billion while social benefits expenditure amounted to around Dh3.415 billion during the same reporting period.

The aid provided by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Community Development included social support and cash assistance made available to eligible citizens, people of determination and senior citizens, as well as social care, marriage grants and other services that aim to strengthen families ties.