The UAE has approved an increase in the size of 2020 federal budget, topping the largest-ever budgetary plan it had rolled out for 2019.
The Financial and Economic Committee of the UAE in its 40th meeting in Abu Dhabi, approved a rise of 2 per cent for the 2020 federal budget on top of the Dh60.3 billion the government had allocated for 2019, according to a government statement released late on Sunday evening.
The committee reviewed the expected cash flows for the fiscal year 2020, to update the financial statements of the federal entities. It also assessed the recently prepared draft general budget for next year. This was prepared by the Ministry of Finance after co-ordinating with relevant authorities.
“The Ministry of Finance continues its efforts to further build upon the federal financial system and improve the services to meet the expectations of all citizens, residents and government entities,” Obaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs said. “This is in line with the ministry’s objectives to underscore its global leadership in public finance management and in line with the goals of the UAE Vision 2021, which aims to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world in terms of economic and social development by 2021.”
The Financial and Economic Committee also reviewed future federal government projects, which aim to raise the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. It also discussed the latest developments around the Etihad Rail project, funding for the second phase of which was agreed in November last year. Phase 2 will extend the existing 264-kilometre line by another 605km.
The Dh60.3bn federal budget set last year was part of a three-year, Dh180bn budget planned for 2019-21. The 2019 budget allocated 42.3 per cent of spending to community development programmes, while 17 per cent was set aside for upgrading education systems. The federal government also earmarked 7.3 per cent to the health sector in the 2019 plan.
The statement on Sunday did not give details of allocations for the 2020 budget.
The committee also reviewed cash flows for the current year, as well as projected revenue for the remainder of the current fiscal year. Financial reports confirmed that cash flows were being managed according to the disbursement plan of the current federal budget, the statement said.
Ain Dubai in numbers
126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure
1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch
16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.
9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.
5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place
192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
Teachers' pay - what you need to know
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
RESULTS
5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Turf) 2,200m
Winner: M'A Yaromoon, Jesus Rosales (jockey), Khalifa Al Neydai (trainer)
5.30pm: Khor Al Baghal – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: No Riesgo Al Maury, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm: Khor Faridah – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Royston Ffrench, Irfan Ellahi
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: Mahmouda, Pat Cosgrave, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner: AS Jezan, George Buckell, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
7.30pm: Khor Laffam – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
Winner: Dolman, Antonio Fresu, Bhupath Seemar
The Vines - In Miracle Land
Two stars
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
