Evaluation in the United Arab Emirates

This chapter explores the institutionalization of evaluation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study examines the impact of political, social, and economic factors on evaluation practices in the UAE. It also investigates the historical development of evaluation in the country, assesses the institutional structures and processes related to evaluation, explores how evaluations are disseminated and accepted in society, and investigates the professionalization of the evaluation field in the UAE. The chapter utilizes several sources, such as government papers, literature, and views from evaluation practitioners, to thoroughly study the country's evaluation landscape. The chapter highlights the substantial advancements made by the UAE in establishing legal frameworks, organizational structures, and capacity-building programs for evaluation, specifically regarding its national development plans and policies. Nevertheless, there are ongoing difficulties in organizing, ensuring data accuracy, and optimizing evaluation results. To fully harness the potential of evaluation in advancing good governance and sustainable development in the UAE, it is crucial to strengthen the demand for evaluations, develop a culture of evidence-based decision-making, and boost stakeholder participation.