Dh26b Sharjah budget people-friendly
dubai — Sharjah has announced a development-oriented budget with a 10 per cent more allocation for spending for 2019 compared to the previous budget.
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, approved Dh25.7 billion spending for 2019, which will see an increase in spending on public safety as well as on capital improvement programmes.
While 23 per cent of the budget goes to the development and improvement of Sharjah infrastructure, 41 per cent is allocated to the economic development sector and 22 per cent earmarked to the social development sector.
The 2018 budget had a total spending allocation of Dh22.1 billion, which marked a 6 per cent growth in comparison with the budget of 2017.
The new budget, which envisages a 20 per cent growth in government revenues in 2019, seeks to create 600 jobs for citizens.
Social support
Focusing on Sharjah’s strategic objectives in the economic, social, scientific and cultural fields, investing in infrastructure will take precedence. The provision of social support in a variety of forms is also a priority, ensuring that the needs of all its citizens are adequately accounted, Sharjah Central Finance Department said.
The budget also aims to encourage its citizens to strengthen their role in the sustainable building and development of the emirate in line with the UAE vision 2021.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qassimi, chairman of the Sharjah Central Finance Department, said the 2019 budget would ensure that Sharjah continues to grow and develop to become a major player on the world economic map. “It will also ensure the financial stability of the emirate while taking into account the business costs for both local and international investors,” he said.
“The budget indicators are all in line with international standards from inflation and sector expenditure as well as other economic indicators. We have also developed a more strategic expenditure framework within governmental departments,” — File photo
Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud pointed out.
Waleed Al Sayegh, directorgeneral of the Sharjah Central Finance Department, said the 2019 budget is based on an objective comprehension of the directives of Dr Sheikh Sultan; a budget is a strategic tool that translates the vision and strategy of the government.
“Focusing on the growth and modernisation of the emirate, the process involves medium-term
10% Increase in spending allocated in 2019 budget
spending, linking the budget to the economic and social indicators laid out by Dr Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi. With the 2019 budget, our goal is for all of Sharjah’s residents to enjoy a comfortable life,” Al Sayegh said.