Jamal Hamed Al-Marri told The Associated Press in an e-mail the government finance team is focused on Dubai's public sector budget and liabilities. That means it is separate from ongoing debt restructuring talks involving the emirate's struggling Dubai World conglomerate.

Al-Marri said the financial team has been created "to enhance the development Dubai seeks" by improving the emirate's financial capabilities and increasing the transparency of its expenses.

Plans for the team were announced earlier this month, though specific details about the group's mandate had been unclear.

The team's formation comes as Dubai remains under intense scrutiny from banks and credit rating agencies following its shock decision late last year to seek new terms on $26 billion worth of state-linked debt.

The exact size of Dubai's liabilities and those of its many government-related companies is unknown. Credit rating agency Moody's Investors Service believes Dubai could owe as much as $100 billion, half of which is estimated to come due in the next three years.

Questions about the city-state's finances and fiscal oversight have harmed Dubai's reputation as a stable regional business hub and threatened the growth plans of its neighbors. The International Monetary Fund last week warned that an extended hangover from Dubai's debt problems remains a key risk for the region.

Dubai's new financial team is designed to provide recommendations to financial policy makers, and is charged with drafting a financial plan through 2014. Its responsibilities also include developing a new revenue structure for the largely tax-free emirate.

"The decision to form the team is part of the government's efficiency efforts and strengthen(s) the framework of Dubai's fiscal policy," Al-Marri said.

The panel includes four government finance specialists, as well as municipal, police, health and transportation officials.

It reports to the emirate's existing Supreme Fiscal Committee, which is chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, a top aide and uncle of Dubai's ruler. The emirate's hereditary leader has the final say on all decisions affecting the city-state, one of seven that make up the United Arab Emirates federation.

Al-Marri said the body's recommendations are not binding and must be approved by the Supreme Fiscal Committee. It expects to present its first proposals in the coming weeks.