The United Arab Emirates, an Early Adopter of Global Best Practices

The nexus between authorities and experts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) differs from that of the Western democracies. The decision-making process is complex, a blend of Bedouin tradition, modern administration and nation branding. On the surface, it seems that the Sheikhs took all decisions during the pandemic. The reality was of course more complex. Whilst the sheikhs might still jealously guard their power, they know how to listen to outside parties (including experts in different fields) before taking important decisions. For instance, the cooperation on the coronavirus (SARS) with World Health Organisation since 2003 justified the health protocol implemented at the inception of the pandemic. The crisis was therefore no exception and revealed that the experts do not interact with decision-makers in the media. There had been no debate about the chloroquine, herd immunity or the effectiveness of the vaccines. Experts oriented the political decisions but never intervened as independent actors in the public debate.