Ajman’s Unified Financial System: Building Transparent, Accountable, and Efficient Public Finance

 

Ajman is at the forefront of government modernization, pioneering a 

Unified Financial System (UFS) that revolutionizes how public money 

is managed, allocated, and monitored. The UFS, overseen by the 

Department of Finance, is a robust framework that ensures every 

dirham serves Ajman’s strategic vision for sustainable and accountable 

growth. 

What Is the Unified Financial System? 

The Unified Financial System is an advanced, integrated platform for 

public financial management. It enables government authorities in 

Ajman to plan, implement, monitor, and report on the general budget 

with unprecedented accuracy and transparency. The system offers a 

single source of truth for applying the rules, policies, and operations of 

financial governance across all eligible public entities in the emirate. 

 

 

 

Legal Foundations and Applicability 

The UFS is anchored by a set of key regulations and decrees to 

guarantee legality and rigor: 

●Financial Law of the Government of Ajman (Emiri Decree №11 of 

2011) 

●Emiri Resolution №10 of 2011 (on government financial 

authorities and amendments) 

●Emiri Resolution №12 of 2011 (executive regulations for the 

Financial Law) 

●Resolution №128 of 2011 (Financial Policies and Procedures 

Manual) 

●Resolution №129 of 2011 (Government Accounting Manual) 

The UFS applies to all government departments, entities, and agencies 

included in Ajman’s annual general budget, as well as to any agency 

with financial and administrative independence unless otherwise 

specified by local legislation. 

Objectives of the Unified Financial System 

The UFS pursues several essential aims: 

●Transparency: Provide visible, traceable financial paths from 

allocation to expenditure. 

●Accountability: Ensure every department is responsible for its 

allocated funds and expenditures. 

●Rational Financial Management: Optimize the use of public 

funds for maximum benefit and minimal waste. 

●Regulation of Key Processes: 

●Budget Preparation & Implementation: Plan and execute the 

general budget efficiently. 

●Final Accounts: Prepare and approve end-of-year financial 

statements. 

●Financial Recordkeeping: Establish fundamental standards and 

practices for all financial reporting. 

Rules and Regulatory Framework 

The Executive Regulations of the Financial Law (via Emiri Resolution 

№12 of 2011) provide detailed guidelines and mandates for: 

●Setting principles and procedures for public financial 

management. 

●Interpreting and enforcing the Financial Law’s provisions. 

●Codifying roles and responsibilities for all government 

departments regarding compliance, reporting, and controls. 

●Establishing a comprehensive Financial Policies and Procedures 

Manual, which details every financial and related administrative 

process public entities must follow. 

Core Processes of the System 

The UFS streamlines every step of government financial management: 

1. Budgeting and Planning 

●Each department submits a proposed budget in line with Ajman’s 

strategic goals. 

●The UFS ensures these proposals follow standard rules and 

formats, centralizing planning and enabling clear, data-driven 

decision-making. 

2. Budget Implementation 

●Funds are allocated according to the approved budget. 

●Departments use the UFS platform to record, monitor, and 

manage all spending activities. 

3. Monitoring and Control 

●The system enables real-time tracking of expenditures. 

●Automated alerts and checks help prevent overspending and flag 

policy deviations. 

4. Reporting 

●Comprehensive financial reports — including final accounts — 

are generated directly from the UFS. 

●These reports satisfy legal requirements and facilitate 

transparency for audits and legislative review. 

Benefits of the Unified Financial System 

Implementing the UFS delivers significant advantages for Ajman’s 

government: 

For Government Entities 

●Consistency: Standardizes procedures and financial reporting 

across all departments. 

●Efficiency: Reduces manual work, eliminates redundancies, and 

accelerates processing times. 

●Risk Reduction: Automated checks minimize the risk of errors or 

financial mismanagement. 

●Empowered Decision-Making: Real-time data enables leadership 

to make informed, agile decisions. 

For the Emirate and Citizens 

●Transparency and Trust: Public funds are managed openly, 

fostering public confidence in government operations. 

●Accountability: Clear records show how every dirham is spent, 

reducing opportunities for misuse. 

●Financial Sustainability: Optimized use and monitoring of 

resources support the long-term fiscal health of the emirate. 

●Rapid Service Improvements: Streamlined financial processes 

free resources for public service enhancements. 

The Department of Finance: Steward of System Integrity 

The Department of Finance is responsible for: 

●Supervising system implementation across all government entities 

●Issuing clarifications, guidance, and updates regarding the system application 

●Conducting audits to verify compliance 

●Continuous enhancement of policies and tools for best-in-class public financial 

management. 

Ajman’s Digital Transformation and the Future of Public 

Finance 

The UFS is not a static system; it is part of Ajman’s broader digital 

transformation initiatives, including integration with smart payment 

solutions and technology-driven financial innovations. Strategic 

partnerships are enabling seamless banking and government platform 

integration, further enhancing efficiency and control. 

The Unified Financial System is a cornerstone of Ajman’s ambition to 

lead with openness, sustainability, and innovation in the public sector. 

Through rigorous rules, transparent processes, and future-ready digital 

tools, Ajman ensures that public funds power progress for today and 

generations to come. 

For complete details on the Unified Financial System, always consult 

the official Ajman Department of Finance resources: 

https://www.ajmandof.ae/en/unified-financial-system/ 

Empowering Ajman's Future: The Public Private Partnership Service

Introduction  

Ajman is embracing a bold vision for sustainable economic and social development by fostering close collaborations between the public and private sectors. Through its innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) service, managed by the Department of Finance (DOF), Ajman is unlocking new avenues for growth, delivering world-class infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of government services.

Why Public Private Partnerships Matter  

Driving Sustainable Growth  

PPP isn't just a policy—it's a strategic driver for Ajman's ambitions. By engaging the expertise, innovation, and capital of private enterprises, PPPs help accelerate project delivery, diversify funding sources, and reduce government financial risk. This collaborative model delivers results that would be difficult for the public sector to achieve alone, leading to:

• Expanded financial resources.

• Reduced project implementation times.

• Lower and optimized service costs.

• Higher service quality and competitiveness.

Broader Objectives  

• Risk Reduction: By sharing investment and operational risks with private partners, the government can focus resources on other priorities.

• Efficiency: PPPs bring private sector experience in project management, often delivering infrastructure or services faster and more efficiently.

• Shift in Role: Public agencies transition from direct service managers to policy makers and quality controllers, empowering innovation without sacrificing oversight.

The Legal and Regulatory Framework  

Ajman is committed to clarity, transparency, and best practices in its partnership framework. The cornerstone is Law No. 2 of 2022, which came into force on January 1, 2023. This law is designed to:

• Encourage private investment in developmental projects.

• Enable government authorities or private entities to propose PPP projects.

• Diversify and develop strategic infrastructure.

• Improve service quality across all government domains.

• Ensure fair, transparent procedures in partner selection and contract management.

Key Provisions  

• Feasibility Requirements: Any partnership contract must demonstrate economic, financial, technical, and social feasibility.

• Budget Allocations: If government payments are involved, these must be planned within the authority’s budgets.

• Approval Criteria:

• Contracts ≤AED20 million: Approved by the government agency's Director-General.

• AED20–50 million: Approved by the Director-General of the Department of Finance.

• AED50 million: Requires approval from the Ajman Ruler’s Representative for Administrative and Financial Affairs.

• Duration: Contracts are limited to a maximum of 30 years, with possible extensions for public interest and appropriate approvals.

Role of Ajman Department of Finance  

The DOF is the facilitator and guardian of PPP excellence in Ajman. Its core responsibilities include:

• Proposing and updating legislation aligned with international best practices.

• Drafting executive regulations and detailed procedures for PPP contracts.

• Evaluating project feasibility studies and providing recommendations.

• Creating an enabling environment for PPP investments in collaboration with relevant authorities.

The PPP Unit  

To ensure standardized, high-quality delivery, the DOF established a dedicated PPP Unit responsible for:

• Setting objectives and strategy for government entities.

• Developing guidelines, toolkits, and supporting documentation.

• Reviewing and approving business cases for partnerships.

• Supporting authorities through all project phases—identification, preparation, procurement, negotiation, execution, and performance monitoring.

 

How PPPs Benefit Ajman and Its Partners  

For the Emirate:  

• Infrastructure improvements and innovation.

• Enhanced public services and quality of life.

• Financial sustainability and reduced public expenditure.

• Increased competitiveness on a regional and global scale.

For Private Sector Partners:  

• Access to large-scale, long-term projects.

• Strong, transparent legal protection.

• Partnership with a forward-thinking, development-driven government.

• Opportunity to showcase their expertise and drive regional impact.

Getting Involved: The Partnership Process  

1. Project Proposal: Can be initiated by either a government authority or the private sector.

2. Feasibility Review: Comprehensive evaluation of economic, financial, technical, and social factors.

3. Approval and Contracting: Based on project value and set legal guidelines.

4. Implementation and Oversight: Project delivery monitored by both parties, with the DOF ensuring compliance and best outcomes.

Ajman’s Vision for the Future  

With PPPs, Ajman is setting a regional benchmark for how governments and businesses can work together for the greater good. Their approach not only accelerates infrastructure and service delivery but also reinforces Ajman's role as a dynamic, sustainable, and business-friendly emirate.

Suggested Images for the Blog Post  

• Ajman Department of Finance Headquarters: Symbolizes trust and official government oversight.

• Signing Ceremony or Partnership Agreement: Illustrates collaboration between government and private sector representatives.

• Infographic: Simple flowchart or diagram depicting the PPP process from proposal to execution.

• Ajman Infrastructure Highlights: Photos of modern infrastructure projects delivered under PPPs.

• Collaboration in Action: Images showing joint project teams or consultation meetings.

• PPPs in Numbers: Data visualization showcasing impact metrics—projects completed, sectors covered, investment volumes, etc.

• Ajman Cityscape or Landmarks: Visual connection to the emirate’s growth and its ambitions.

 

Conclusion  

The Public Private Partnership service by the Ajman Department of Finance is transforming the emirate’s development landscape. With a robust legal framework, transparent procedures, and a commitment to excellence, Ajman is inviting private sector partners to join in building a resilient and prosperous future for all.

For full details on becoming a PPP partner in Ajman, visit the Department of Finance’s Public Private Partnerships page.