Triangle spearheads the first-ever Common Country Analysis of the UAE, setting the foundation for strategic UN collaboration, and aligning with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Background 

As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues its rapid socio-economic transformation, the United Nations Country Office launched a Common Country Analysis (CCA) in 2021. This pioneering initiative aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the UAE’s development landscape, guiding all UN activities, inter-agency collaborations, and engagements with national authorities. The CCA served as the cornerstone for the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), ensuring that UN efforts in the UAE aligned with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Triangle, entrusted with the task, assembled a proficient research team to delve into the competitive landscape of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in the UAE. The analysis encompassed an exhaustive examination of key stakeholders, including national, sub-national, and local entities, as well as civil society organizations. In collaboration with key members of the UNCT and influential national stakeholders identified during the CCA process, a detailed Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted. By amalgamating the insights garnered from this assessment with the broader CCA findings, Triangle’s research team was poised to formulate a structured hierarchy of priorities and evidence-based recommendations. These recommendations were rooted in tangible opportunities to develop a pragmatic UNSDCF, synergizing with both the SDGs and the UAE’s national development objectives.

The Challenge

Conducting the first CCA for the UAE required a tailored and multifaceted approach. The country’s unique development trajectory, characterized by rapid economic growth and global influence, posed distinct challenges in aligning UN engagement with national and international priorities. Ensuring that the CCA was both contextually relevant and aligned with global development frameworks, such as Agenda 2030 and the SDGs, was a critical undertaking. The complexity of the UAE’s governance structure necessitated extensive stakeholder engagement, requiring an inclusive methodology that incorporated diverse perspectives from governmental bodies, civil society, and UN agencies. Additionally, the analysis had to provide actionable insights that would translate into a cohesive and adaptable Cooperation Framework, capable of responding to evolving socio-economic dynamics.

Our Approach

This research focused on delivering a high-impact, evidence-based analysis through: 

• Extensive Stakeholder Engagement:Engaged a broad spectrum of stakeholders – including national, sub-national, and local entities, as well as civil society organizations – to ensure the CCA reflected diverse perspectives and was grounded in the UAE’s complex social and political fabric. 
• Strategic SWOT Analysis: Conducted a detailed Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to assess the competitive advantages and challenges within the UNCT, forming the basis for setting strategic priorities. 
• Alignment with Global and National Goals: Ensured findings aligned with both the SDGs and the UAE’s national development objectives, reinforcing the relevance of UN activities in the country’s broader development agenda. 
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Emphasized the use of robust research methodologies, statistical analysis, and comprehensive data repositories to equip the UNCT and national stakeholders with actionable insights.
• Collaboration with the RCO: Worked closely with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) to align the CCA development process with the UN’s strategic goals, ensuring a coordinated approach to inter-agency collaboration. 
• Ongoing Dialogue and Adaptation: Advocated for continuous engagement among UNCT members and key constituents, fostering a culture of adaptability and long-term relevance in UN programming. 

Results and Impact

The assessment provided the foundation for a more strategic and cohesive UN engagement in the UAE: 

• Strengthened UN Coordination: The CCA served as a blueprint for aligning UN efforts with national priorities, enhancing inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring a unified approach to sustainable development. 
• Evidence-Based Policy Guidance: The structured analysis informed decision-making at the highest levels, equipping UN agencies and national stakeholders with data-driven recommendations to optimize development outcomes. 
• Enhanced Stakeholder Inclusion: By incorporating diverse perspectives, the CCA fostered stronger partnerships between the UN and UAE authorities, promoting more inclusive and impactful policy interventions. 

Looking Ahead

Triangle continues to play a leading role in strengthening UN engagement in the UAE by advancing gender protection, governance, and sustainable development strategies. Through ongoing collaboration with the UNCT, national stakeholders, and international partners, Triangle remains committed to ensuring that UN initiatives are data-driven, strategically aligned, and responsive to the evolving development landscape. By reinforcing the link between research and policy, Triangle’s work helps shape a more coordinated and impactful UN presence in the region.