The actual expenditure of UAE federal government departments amounted to Dh48.572 billion ($13.22 billion) during 2017, with a 100 per cent execution rate, according to the financial performance report issued by the Ministry of Finance.

Spending on the general public services sector reached around Dh16.190 billion, accounting for 33.3 per cent of total expenditure in 2017, with the public order and safety sector spending standing at Dh10.453 billion, or 21.5 per cent, reported Emirates news agency Wam.

Accordingly, the two sectors accounted for 54.8 per cent of total spending, while 13.5 per cent, or Dh6.574 billion, went to the education sector, followed by the healthcare sector at 8.1 per cent, or Dh3.943 billion, and then social protection, at 6.5 per cent, Dh3.134 billion.

Total spending on the economic affairs sector reached Dh1.021 billion, or 2.1 per cent by the end of 2017. A total of Dh621 million, or 1.3 per cent, was spent on the housing sector; Dh290 million, 0.6 per cent, on the environmental protection sector; and Dh194 million on the recreation, culture and religion sector, 0.4 per cent.

The Ministry of Finance consistently provides financial analyses to federal departments in line with best international practices to ensure transparency as per the provisions of Article 9 and Article 50 of the Federal Decree-Law No.8 of 2011 on the rules for preparation of the general budget and final accounts.