Anis Ben Brik examines the state of the institutionalization of evaluation across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), providing a rigorous analysis of both historical progress and contemporary practices. Utilising Reinhard Stockmann et al.’s well-established theoretical and methodological approach, he focuses on core political, social and professional systems to thoroughly assess evaluation frameworks within diverse national contexts. Brik explores strategies for embedding evaluation within governance frameworks to strengthen accountability, transparency and evidence-based decision-making. He investigates the development of the field through the establishment of capacity-building initiatives along with academic programs and professional networks, emphasizing the role of civil society organizations and public engagement in fostering inclusive and participatory systems. Presenting a detailed cross-country comparison of 13 MENA countries, the book identifies regional trends as well as systemic challenges and opportunities to advance evaluation institutionalization. Students and scholars of evaluation studies, public and social policy, public administration, governance and Middle Eastern and North African politics will greatly benefit from this innovative book. It is also an essential resource for policymakers, practitioners and government officials in monitoring and evaluation, planning and community development, as well as civil society organizations and NGOs.

Table of Contents:
Contents Preface viii Foreword x PART I INTRODUCTION 1 Institutionalization of evaluation in the MENA region: theoretical background, analytical framework, methods, and context 2 Anis Ben Brik PART II NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS: GULF COOPERATION COUNTRIES 2 Evaluation in Qatar 29 Anis Ben Brik 3 Evaluation in Saudi Arabia 50 Anis Ben Brik, Saleh Al-Shumrani and Ahmed Salah 4 Evaluation in the United Arab Emirates 66 Anis Ben Brik 5 Evaluation in Oman 89 Anis Ben Brik 6 Evaluation in Kuwait 113 Anis Ben Brik 7 Evaluation in Bahrain 137 Anis Ben Brik PART III NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS: THE LEVANT 8 Evaluation in Jordan 150 Anis Ben Brik, Walaa Ayasrah, Suleiman Majd and Mira Hussain 9 Evaluation in Palestine 184 Anis Ben Brik and Ayesha AlRifai PART IV NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS: NORTH AFRICA 10 Evaluation in Morocco 212 Anis Ben Brik 11 Evaluation in Tunisia 229 Anis Ben Brik 12 Evaluation in Egypt 247 Anis Ben Brik PART V SYNTHESIS 13 The institutionalization of evaluation in the MENA region: a synthesis 273 Anis Ben Brik