The Ministry of Finance is focused on strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors as an effective tool for achieving sustainable development. Over the past two years, it has made significant strides, establishing a framework for this partnership along with a legislative structure that actively supports joint ventures. This initiative aims to enhance economic growth, attract investments, and improve service quality.
These initiatives are part of a comprehensive vision aimed at balancing economic and social development while encouraging private sector participation in the government’s efforts toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, stated: “The development of mechanisms for public-private partnerships is a top priority for the Ministry, recognizing the importance of such collaborations as effective pathways for sustainable development. They play a crucial role in advancing economic and social progress and support the strategic goals of the UAE. Through these partnerships, we aim to create a system that optimally utilizes available resources.”
These partnerships also enhance governmental performance flexibility by facilitating the exchange of expertise with the private sector in financial, administrative, and technological fields, ultimately improving community quality of life and supporting the nation’s economic growth in alignment with the targets of the “We Are UAE 2031” vision and the “UAE Centennial 2071” goals.
Achievements
The issuance of Federal Law No. 12 of 2023 concerning the regulation of public-private partnership projects is intended to encourage private sector involvement in developmental and strategic initiatives. This aims to increase investment in projects that hold economic, social, and service value, enabling the government to efficiently and effectively execute its strategic projects.
Additionally, the Ministry of Finance announced in June 2024 the release of a “Guide to Public-Private Partnership Projects.” This guide is a critical step toward improving governance frameworks and outlining the processes and policies that governmental entities and private sector partners should follow throughout all project stages—from design and planning to execution and management.
The Ministry has also conducted a series of workshops focused on the public-private partnership processes and to familiarize federal entities and private partners with the guide’s components and applicable mechanisms.
In May 2025, the Ministry rolled out a specialized training program in public-private partnerships to enhance the capacities of federal entities and improve collaboration with the private sector. This program has been developed in partnership with an APMG International accredited training institute and culminates in the achievement of the foundational CP3P certification supported by leading global financing institutions.
Following the success of the program’s first phase, the Ministry is now preparing to launch the second phase aimed at further developing national capabilities in the field of public-private partnerships and ensuring the sustainability of this approach through adherence to global best practices.
Younis Haji Al Khoori
Partnership as an effective tool for development and support of the state’s strategic objectives.
Awareness and training workshops on procedures and familiarization with the guide’s components and applicable mechanisms.