Costs of Ajman’s government services plan unveiled

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Representative of the Ruler of Ajman for Administrative and Financial Affairs and Chairman of the Department of Finance, issued Resolution No.1 of 2023, which establishes a unified regulatory framework for calculating the costs and pricing of government services in the emirate.

This aligns with the strategic pricing of such services and contributes to achieving sustainable development in the emirate towards enhancing its competitiveness.

The decision denotes the adoption of a guide for calculating the costs and pricing of government services in the government of Ajman, applied to all government agencies, with the exception of the principles or methods for determining local taxes or calculating fines imposed on violations.

Pursuant to this decision, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi stressed that the decision and guide aim to standardise the service costs of the Ajman government and encourage government agencies to improve their performance. They also seek to help disburse financial resources efficiently and support decisions related to the annual budget to enhance the emirate’s prosperity and sustain its comprehensive development in line with the inspiring vision of His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman and a member of the UAE Supreme Council, and the follow-up of Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council.

Sheikh Ahmed added that the decision falls within the framework of the emirate’s continuous endeavour to establish a governance framework based on best practices and the highest standards that would benefit all stakeholders and contribute to advancing Ajman’s sustainable economic development for the emirate and its residents.

Marwan Ahmed Al Ali, Director-General of the Ajman Department of Finance, indicated that the new decision confirms the keenness of the emirate’s wise leadership to progress on its legislative environment, enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of government work, and improve the provision of its financial services. This contributes to uplifting the quality of life in the emirate and achieving Ajman’s vision of building a happy society and a sustainable economy.

He added: “The Ajman Department of Finance is keen to continue developing policies and legislation that would contribute to the sustainability of financial resources, raise the efficiency of financial planning, and improve the effectiveness of government financial work systems towards achieving the ultimate goal of the department, represented by the happiness of all stakeholders, the enhanced quality of life, and the fulfilment of the emirate’s aspirations. This guide provides a unified regulatory framework for government agencies in Ajman and includes the criteria to be taken into account when updating government service fees and reaching the total targeted costs of government services, taking into account transparency, simplicity and the provision of communication channels to enable individuals and companies to enquire about fees.”

Per the decision, the Ajman Department of Finance will be responsible for reviewing studies prepared by government agencies regarding fees, prices, and tariffs imposed on services. The department will also hold courses and workshops on the procedures within the accompanying guide to train relevant government agency employees.

The decision also includes criteria for classifying government services according to economic characteristics, including public utility services, administrative and regulatory services, economic services (competitive and non-competitive), and pricing criteria.

It is noteworthy that the guide attached to the decision is subject to annual or periodic review or as required, which makes it flexible and capable of keeping pace with fundamental changes or other relevant factors. It shall also be published officially and will come into effect from the date of its issuance on Jan.3, 2023.