Strategic Governance and Accountability: The UAE’s Effective Response to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented global challenges, underscoring the essential role of effective governance and accountability in crisis management and recovery. This paper evaluates the governance frameworks and accountability mechanisms implemented by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, assessing their effectiveness in managing the health crisis and stabilising the economy from February 2020 to February 2022. A qualitative content analysis was conducted using data from official government documents, public health communications, policy statements, and reputable secondary sources. The paper focused on identifying and categorising key policy actions and their outcomes, including government initiatives, public health messaging, accountability measures, and crisis governance strategies. The UAE's coordinated response, characterised by transparent decision-making and adaptive policy adjustments, resulted in a remarkably low case fatality rate of 0.31%, significantly below global averages. By March 2021, over half of the UAE population had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, facilitating effective virus containment and public health stabilisation. Additionally, targeted economic interventions and support mechanisms enabled a swift economic recovery, ensuring resilience amid global disruptions. This paper provides valuable insights into the UAE’s governance and accountability mechanisms during the pandemic. It highlights the importance of transparent governance and flexible policies in mitigating health risks and maintaining economic stability. The findings offer a reference for policymakers and health authorities to enhance preparedness for future health emergencies.