Sharjah: Sharjah Finance Department (SFD) has organised the 2027 General Budget Preparation Forum in collaboration with the Financial Training Centre affiliated with SFD and the Financial Forum Working Team. The forum is part of SFD's continuous efforts to advance the government financial system and improve budget preparation efficiency, aligning with best financial and planning practices to support the Government of Sharjah's vision of financial sustainability and enhanced government spending efficiency.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum saw participation from representatives of various government entities across Sharjah. It featured specialised sessions and technical discussions aimed at improving government budget preparation mechanisms and boosting institutional readiness for the 2027 fiscal year budget project. The Financial Training Centre presented its 2026 financial training plan, focused on developing government financial competencies and enhancing skills in budgeting and financial planning through training programmes and courses.
The event included a comprehensive overview of updated instructions, guidelines, and directives for the 2027 General Budget Preparation Project. It reviewed principles and standards for preparing budget chapters, such as salaries and wages, operational expenses, capital expenditures, revenue estimation mechanisms, outputs preparation, performance agreements, and related requirements.
Forum sessions were led by SFD representatives, including Marwa Al Suwaidi, Director of Budget and Financial Planning Department; Noor Shuhail, Head of Infrastructure and Capital Budget Section; Meitha Ailan, Head of Government Administration Budget Division; Maryam bin Hadda, Budget Analyst; Shaima Al Amoudi, Budget Analyst; and Azza Al Suwaidi, Assistant Budget Analyst. These representatives highlighted key technical and practical aspects of government budget preparation and development mechanisms based on the latest approved financial methodologies.
Nasser Kashwani, Director of the Financial Training Centre, stated that the forum reflects the department's commitment to developing government budget preparation systems continuously and fostering integration and coordination with various Sharjah government entities. This contributes to creating more efficient, flexible, and sustainable budgets. He noted that the forum serves as an important platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise while unifying concepts and procedures related to government budget preparation, aligning with the Government of Sharjah's aspirations for institutional excellence and financial sustainability.
Marwa Al Suwaidi emphasized that the forum is a significant milestone in enhancing government entities' readiness to prepare the general budget project according to an integrated financial methodology. Discussions centered on improving understanding of updated instructions and procedures, aiding in the creation of more accurate, flexible, and efficient budgets.
Participants also explored the latest practices in preparing outputs and performance indicators and the importance of linking budgets to strategic objectives and government outcomes, which enhances government service quality and institutional performance efficiency. The forum underscored the importance of accurate financial planning, enhancing government resource management efficiency, and promoting a culture of spending rationalisation through realistic and well-studied financial estimates that support resource sustainability and enable efficient and effective achievement of government objectives.