Some countries have managed to address the COVID-19 pandemic, while others have struggled. The UAE’s experience in confronting the crisis is unique, as the country has adopted a comprehensive strategy of preemptive plans and measures, supported by an integrated healthcare system that has proven its high-level of efficiency and readiness. This has been made possible through the convergence of efforts by the public and private sectors, to confront the health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic. While there are increasing concerns of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, the UAE’s successful experience, and the lessons learned from it, form the cornerstone of the country’s readiness to withstand future epidemics and pandemics.