The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has not only negatively affected economies worldwide but has also posed a challenge to sustainability, with the UAE economy being no exception. This article analyzes the UAE economy in light of its key economic contributors and within the framework of two futuristic scenarios: one in which a vaccine is not available in the short term, and the other where a vaccine becomes available early. The authors propose a sustainability agenda for the UAE under these two scenarios, providing a roadmap for resilience and recovery, particularly focusing on the major emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. They conclude that Dubai’s economic vulnerability is greater than that of any other emirate in the UAE and accordingly suggest measures to sustain its growth and global outlook, ultimately strengthening its position as a global supply chain hub.