ABU DHABI // Improved health, education, social service benefits and development of government services for citizens will be the focus of the 2015 federal budget.
The Cabinet has approved the draft 2015 union budget at an estimated Dh49.1 billion, an increase of Dh2.9bn from the previous financial year, according to Wam, the state news agency.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said on Sunday that the directives of the President, Sheikh Khalifa, to provide prosperity, security and a decent life for citizens remain a priority.
Meeting and investing in citizens are the cornerstones of government policies and represent a top priority in the national agenda for achieving Vision 2021, Sheikh Mohammed said.
The announcement was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed at the Presidential Palace in the presence of Sheikh Mansour, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Sheikh Mohammed said that 49 per cent of the total 2015 federal budget – or an estimated Dh24bn – was allocated for service projects, social development and social benefits.
The Cabinet also approved the protocol for amending the agreement for avoidance of double taxation and fiscal evasion with Poland and a treaty on mutual administrative cooperation on customs with the Maldives.
Air transport agreements with Myanmar, Burundi, Sierra Leone and Slovenia were also cleared.
A breakdown of government expenditure showed that Dh20bn of the budget was allocated to government sector affairs. Infrastructure was assigned Dh1.8bn and in the economic sector Dh1.6bn to financial assets and Dh1bn to federal spending.
The Cabinet also gave its approval to issuing executive regulations of the UAE competition law that regulates economic activities and exploitation of Intellectual Property Rights. The law supports national efforts to deliver the UAE Vision 2021 seeking to build a knowledge-based economy.
Approval was also given to a resolution aimed to regulate the Emirates Green Card for rationalisation of water consumption.
The system recognises water consuming devices in buildings and facilities with a green card as a reward for complying with environment protection guidelines. The green card will serve as a guide for rational water consumption of water and is part of the nation’s green development strategy.
The Cabinet also gave its consent for state subscription in the fifth capital increase of the Islamic Development Bank.
This reflects the Government’s resolve to cooperate with regional and international organisations on development projects and help the private sector access financing services. The UAE is one of the founders of the Jeddah-based bank.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
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Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).