Attended by more than 500 Abu Dhabi Government entities officials and employees

Abu Dhabi, 19 April 2015

In line with its leading role in managing the financial resources of Abu Dhabi Government, the Department of Finance - Abu Dhabi (DoF) recently hosted a workshop on the preparation of the general budget of the emirate's Government. The workshop was attended by more than 500 officials and employees from 90 local government entities.

The workshop was organised to bring participants up to speed on a range of key topics related to the preparation of Abu Dhabi Government's general budget. These topics included budget policy and roles, templates and general guidelines of the general budget which includes, the recurrent budget, capital project budget, and the State-owned-enterprise's budgets.

Commenting on the workshop, HE Mohammed Sultan bin Ghanoum Al Hameli, Director General of DoF - Abu Dhabi, said: "The Department is committed to performing the role entrusted to it as the financial arm of Abu Dhabi Government. This requires DoF to work closely with various local government entities in order to ensure the implementation of international best practices in the various areas of management of financial and government resources, particularly in developing the general budget."

HE added: "The meetings and workshops organised by DoF for Abu Dhabi government entities and bodies, reflect the Department's ongoing commitment to further develop the processes and procedures of financial system and the development of the general budget framework and processes. These workshops also provide DoF with a good opportunity to receive feedback and views about financial work and capital project budget among various local government entities. Such meetings also serve to strengthen partnerships and professional work with these entities."

For his part, HE Abdulaziz Hareb Al Yousuf, Executive Director of the General Budget Sector, pointed out to the importance of the preparation of Abu Dhabi Government's 2016 general budget. It is an opportunity to use several financial systems and working methods adopted by DoF, enhance joint cooperation with its partners through various stages of budget preparation from the initial phases to full implementation.

HE Al Yousuf then said: "DoF continuously seeks to provide direct guidance for the development of all procedures used in the preparation of the general budget and to enhance the capabilities of employees in this field. This is reflected in the positive role that the Department is playing in the development process, to achieve the strategic objectives of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and its government entities."

HE Al Yousuf also presented participants with the timeline for the preparation of the 2016 draft general budget of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and explained the various stages. The first stage involves issuing a circular on the preparation of the general budget for 2016, which includes the model, principles and rules of the budget as well as the guidelines, which are sent to all stakeholders and concludes with the final stage of adopting the general budget and issuing a circular for its implementation. HE also highlighted the factors to be taken into account when preparing the budget as well as areas to improve their models.

The workshop covered the general rules of the preparation of the 2016 general budget of the Emirate, where the foundations and the rationalization of government budget spending as well as estimated expenditures and government revenues were discussed. The workshop also provided a detailed review of the models and guidelines of the current budget, the role of the Hyperion system in the preparation of the general budget, e-service strategic initiatives for the year 2016, as well as the tasks assigned to DoF and ADSIC in this regard.

The workshop also included a presentation entitled 'the rules and principles of capital projects for 2016' which explained how to deal with these projects based on their timeframe. As for the government entities and agencies, the workshop covered the mechanisms to deal with their financial needs and funding requests for 2016.

Commenting on overall work with regards to the preparation of the 2016 general budget, HE Brigadier Engineer Saeed Salem Al Suwaidi, Director of Logistics Management at Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority, commented on the strong partnership between all government entities in Abu Dhabi.  HE Al Suwaidi added that all parties seek the goal, which is to develop their range of services by using an improved system which will enable them to reach the objectives which are outlined in Abu Dhabi Government's agenda.  HE also explained that the framework for the preparation of the general budget is considered as a suitable work environment and a solid foundation for major projects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Mohammed Mubarak Al Ameri, Head of the Financial Affairs Department at the Social Welfare and Minor Affairs Foundation stressed the importance of DoF's role in developing the general framework for the preparation of the budget and its efforts to establish a culture of excellence in financial and accounting fields through a series of workshops and specialisation in these areas. This will in turn positively impact the work carried out and the goals and activities set in accordance with the strategic plans of government entities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on the workshop, Mr Hamad Al Dhaheri, Deputy Executive Director of Support Services and Finance Director at EAD, mentioned the importance of similar workshops on preparing budgets, which are important in the development of the local entities' work and expectations, to achieve their goals, develop their services and extend their customer base. He also explained that all this requires raising awareness levels amongst employees on budget preparation by informing staff members of the latest tools and systems that have been adopted.

-End-

For more information:
Mary Khamasmieh/ Mira Assaf  
Weber Shandwick
Phone:  +971 50 2731753/ +971 50 3123518
Fax: + 971 2 449 4833                          
Email: mkhamasmieh@webershandwick.com; massaf@webershandwick.com     

© Press Release 2015