FNC approves 2017 federal budget

The Federal National Council, FNC, today endorsed the UAE federal budget for 2017, set in late October by the Cabinet at AED48.7 billion, with a prime focus on education, social development and health.

The approval came at a third session of the FNC's 16th legislative chapter, presided over by Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council.

About 20.5 per cent of the 2017 budget, or AED10.2 billion, was earmarked to the education sector, 8.6 per cent or AED4.2 billion to the healthcare sector, 8.2 per cent or AED4 billion to public sector wages, 6.6 per cent or AED3.2 billion to social development and 3.3 per cent or AED1.6 billion to housing.

Obaid bin Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, and Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, attended today's session.