The Ajman Government has announced a general budget of AED2.066 billion ($562 million) without a deficit for 2021, a media report said.

Approved by Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, the budget aims to achieve the government’s strategic priorities, provide the best services, and enhance the emirate’s financial sustainability, reported Emirates news agency Wam.

Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of Ajman Executive Council, said:  "The 2021 budget focuses on several pillars, including economic affairs accounting for 40 per cent and public services for 22 per cent, in line with the Ajman Vision 2021 that aims to strengthen the emirate’s competitiveness in sustainable development, establish a green economy, and consolidate partnerships with the private sector and promote its development role, to achieve the wellbeing and happiness of the community and increase individual productivity."

The general budget also includes housing expenditure and community facilities which accounts for 15 per cent, public safety for 13 per cent, environment protection for eight per cent, and entertainment, culture and religion for two per cent.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Representative of the Ruler of Ajman for Administrative and Financial Affairs and Chairman of the Department of Finance, said that Ajman’s general budget focuses on supporting the emirate’s economy to ensure economic growth despite the extraordinary conditions caused by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, which will strengthen its regional and international economic stature.

He also pointed out that the budget will help achieve the emirate’s financial stability and improve its position in indexes and outcomes consistent with global financial standards in terms of inflation, sectoral expenditure and other macroeconomics indexes, as well as draft policies for rationalising government spending.