Title: Digital governance and development in the UAE: a comparative analysis of e-participation strategies

Authors: Nada Jamal Alzara

Addresses: Department of Public Relations, College of Communication, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE

Abstract: This study examines the role of digital governance in enhancing e-participation in UAE, a nation undergoing rapid digital transformation. Despite strong infrastructure and smart government strategies, gaps remain in inclusive participation. This study aims to assess how digital initiatives across different ministries foster or hinder citizen engagement, with particular attention to institutional design and cultural responsiveness - an underexplored perspective in existing e-participation models. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on over 60 digital artefacts - including websites, dashboards, consultation platforms, and social media - collected between February and June 2025 from three key ministries in the UAE: the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Ministry of Interior (MoI), and the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MFNCA). Findings reveal that while each ministry demonstrates strengths - MoF in fiscal transparency, MoI in digital security, MFNCA in electoral engagement - barriers such as the digital divide, limited accessibility features, and trust gaps constrain widespread participation. Interoperability, mobile responsiveness, and multilingual support emerged as recurring needs. The study offers theoretical contributions by extending e-participation discourse into hybrid governance systems and provides practical recommendations for policymakers. The UAE's model offers valuable lessons for digitally ambitious nations balancing innovation with inclusive governance.

Keywords: digital governance; electronic participation; citizen engagement; inclusive governance; sustainable development; United Arab Emirates.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEG.2026.156066

International Journal of Electronic Governance, 2026 Vol.18 No.1, pp.50 - 75

Received: 21 Nov 2025
Accepted: 27 Feb 2026
Published online: 02 Sep 2026 *

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