The ‘Public Policy Development Guidebook – UAE Government’ (PDF, 40 MB) defines a public policy as a set of priorities, goals and guidelines set by the government to manage national affairs and address the needs of specific groups to enhance public welfare. It serves as a foundation upon which legislations, regulations and initiatives are proposed and issued to regulate the various sectors. The main objective of a public policy is to establish a framework that governs behaviour and allocates resources effectively to achieve desired results and address challenges.

In the UAE’s federal government, public policies shape the direction, priorities, principles and goals at the highest levels of governance.

Issued by the General Secretariat of the Cabinet in 2024, this guide outlines the definition of public policy, its formulation process and its scope, emphasising its impact on all aspects of our lives.

Among other things, the guide mentions:

• key tools that contribute to realising the objectives of public policies
• distinctions between a general framework, a public policy, a strategy, a legislation, a national programme and a plan
• general principles for preparing successful public policies
• the preparation and process cycle of a policy.