Abstract
This chapter examines the development of National evaluation policies (NEPs) in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The study analyses each country’s current evaluation frameworks and practices using a mixed-methods approach, including document analysis, surveys, and expert interviews. The research reveals varying levels of NEP development, with the UAE emerging as the regional leader in implementing comprehensive evaluation systems. Other GCC nations demonstrate progress in integrating evaluation into national development plans and governance structures, albeit to different degrees. The chapter highlights how ambitious national visions, a desire for global competitiveness, and an emphasis on technocratic governance drive NEP advancement in the region. It also discusses challenges and opportunities for developing robust evaluation cultures and practices across the GCC.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Public Policy Evaluation in the Middle East and North Africa |
| Publisher | Policy Press |
| Pages | 45-69 |
| Number of pages | 25 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781447375708 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781447375678 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 13 Jun 2025 |