How Much Money Does the UAE Have in Its Economy and How Is It Managed?

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a massive economy, with a GDP of approximately $511 billion in 2020.

The UAE's economy is primarily driven by oil and natural gas exports, which account for around 85% of its revenue.

The country has a sovereign wealth fund called the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), which manages a significant portion of the UAE's wealth, estimated to be around $800 billion.

The UAE's central bank, the Central Bank of the UAE, oversees the country's monetary policy and regulates its banking sector.

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Government Revenue

The federal budget for the UAE in 2024 is a staggering AED 64.060 billion, a 1.6% increase from the previous year's budget. This substantial amount is allocated towards various sectors to support the country's growth and development.

The breakdown of the budget is quite interesting, with a significant portion going towards social development and social benefits. AED 26.7 billion (42% of the total general budget) is allocated for this purpose, which is a substantial investment in the well-being of UAE citizens.

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Detailed view of Iranian rial banknotes held in hand, illustrating finance and economy in Iran.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed view of Iranian rial banknotes held in hand, illustrating finance and economy in Iran.

Here's a rough breakdown of the budget allocation:

  • Social development and social benefits: AED 26.7 billion (42% of the total general budget)
  • Government affairs sector: AED 25.2 billion (39% of the total general budget)
  • Infrastructure and economic resources: AED 2.6 billion (4% of the total general budget)
  • Financial investments sector: AED 2.3 billion (4% of the total general budget)
  • Other federal expenses: AED 7.2 billion (11% of the total general budget)

Federal Budget

The federal budget for the year 2024 is AED 64.060 billion, a 1.6 per cent increase from the previous year.

This significant allocation of funds is a crucial aspect of the government's revenue, with a substantial portion of it dedicated to various sectors.

The social development and social benefits sector receives AED 26.7 billion, accounting for 42 per cent of the total general budget.

A significant amount is also allocated towards government affairs, with AED 25.2 billion allocated to this sector, making up 39 per cent of the total general budget.

The infrastructure and economic resources sector receives a relatively smaller allocation of AED 2.6 billion, making up 4 per cent of the total general budget.

Here's a breakdown of the federal budget allocation:

The remaining AED 2.3 billion is allocated towards the financial investments sector, which includes AED 807.5 million for federal investment projects.

Foreign Aid

Colorful handmade weaved with oriental ornament middle east rugs hanging in open market
Credit: pexels.com, Colorful handmade weaved with oriental ornament middle east rugs hanging in open market

The UAE is a significant player in foreign aid, providing over USD 3.5 billion in assistance to countries worldwide from 2021 to mid-2022.

This amount makes the UAE one of the largest providers of official development assistance relative to national income globally.

You can read the UAE's annual foreign aid reports to learn more about their efforts.

The UAE's commitment to foreign aid is impressive, and it's clear they're making a meaningful impact on a global scale.

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Exchange Rate

The UAE's economy is heavily influenced by its exchange rate, which is closely tied to the global market. The Arab Emirati Dirham (AED) has been pegged to the US dollar (USD) since February 2002.

This fixed exchange rate means that the value of the AED is directly linked to the value of the USD, which can have both positive and negative effects on the UAE's economy.

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External Trade

The UAE is a major player in external trade, with imports and exports that are worth billions of dollars. In 2012, the UAE's imports totaled $273.5 billion, making it the largest consumer market in the region.

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A Middle Eastern fisherman wearing a mask mends a fishing net in Doha, Qatar, against a warm sunset backdrop.
Credit: pexels.com, A Middle Eastern fisherman wearing a mask mends a fishing net in Doha, Qatar, against a warm sunset backdrop.

UAE's exports are also impressive, reaching $314 billion in 2012 and making it the second-largest exporter in the region. This is a significant source of revenue for the country.

The UAE's main trading partner is India, with trade totaling over $75 billion. This is not surprising, given the large number of Indian citizens who work and live in the UAE.

India is also the UAE's largest export market, accounting for 14.2% of its exports in 2021. This is a testament to the strong trade relationship between the two countries.

The UAE's imports come from a variety of countries, with China being the largest supplier in 2012, accounting for 17.3% of its imports.

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Financial Sector

The UAE's financial sector is a significant contributor to the country's economy.

Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) are two of the most prominent financial centers in the UAE.

DIFC is a Dubai-based federal financial free zone, offering a unique business environment for financial institutions and companies.

Credit: youtube.com, Overview of the banking sector in the UAE

ADGM is an international financial centre located on Al Maryah Island, providing a platform for businesses to operate in a stable and secure environment.

These two financial hubs are a testament to the UAE's commitment to developing its financial sector.

Here's a brief overview of the two financial centers:

  • Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)
  • Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Statistics and Data

The UAE has a GDP of $359 Billion, thanks to its rich natural resources, including a 10% world supply of oil and a 5% natural gas supply.

Oil exports contribute almost 30 percent to the overall income of the UAE, making it a significant contributor to the country's economy.

Dubai is one of the main worldwide energy suppliers, but it's also becoming a growing energy consumer over time.

The UAE's GDP is expected to show a declined growth of 3 percent in the current year, compared to 7.6 percent vigorous growth in 2022.

The country's economy is diversifying, with each developing sector adding value to the existing economic structure and creating a wide range of job opportunities.

The UAE's reliance on oil exports is a key obstacle to its economic growth, along with unresponsive external demand and higher interest rates in the global market.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much money does Dubai have?

Dubai's economy has a gross domestic product of AED 429 billion ($116.779 billion) as of January 2024. This significant economic value is driven by a diverse population of over 90% foreigners.

How much money is enough in the UAE?

A monthly income of 10,000 to 15,000 AED is considered comfortable in the UAE, allowing for a decent standard of living. However, individual needs and expenses may vary, so it's essential to research and plan accordingly.

Wilbur Huels

Senior Writer

Here is a 100-word author bio for Wilbur Huels: Wilbur Huels is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in finance and investing. With a strong background in research and analysis, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, making complex topics accessible to a wide range of readers. His articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as investment funds and their role in shaping the global financial landscape.

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