Date of Defense
21-4-2026 12:00 PM
Location
H1-1116
Document Type
Thesis Defense
Degree Name
Master of Governance and Public Policy
College
CHSS
Department
Government and Society
First Advisor
Dr. Sawsan Abutabenjeh
Keywords
Economic Diversification, Public Policy, Resource Curse Theory, UAE
Abstract
Diversification in the UAE reflects a state-led transformation aimed at moving the economy beyond oil through targeted public policies. Research shows that there is a limited knowledge of how public sector policies and national strategies contribute to promoting economic diversification requiring a more detailed analysis of the UAE’s diversification strategies. This thesis addresses three research questions which are: Tto what extent do the federal public policies promote economic diversification in the UAE? To what extent do federal policy documents acknowledge Resource Curse mitigation as a priority? To what extent do economic growth and governance indicators capture the UAE’s diversification efforts? Using Resource Curse Theory as a theoretical framework and mixed method design, the analysis shows that federal government policies emphasize diversification, innovation, and institutional change.
PUBLIC POLICY & ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION IN THE UAE: BEYOND OIL DEPENDENCE
H1-1116
Diversification in the UAE reflects a state-led transformation aimed at moving the economy beyond oil through targeted public policies. Research shows that there is a limited knowledge of how public sector policies and national strategies contribute to promoting economic diversification requiring a more detailed analysis of the UAE’s diversification strategies. This thesis addresses three research questions which are: Tto what extent do the federal public policies promote economic diversification in the UAE? To what extent do federal policy documents acknowledge Resource Curse mitigation as a priority? To what extent do economic growth and governance indicators capture the UAE’s diversification efforts? Using Resource Curse Theory as a theoretical framework and mixed method design, the analysis shows that federal government policies emphasize diversification, innovation, and institutional change.