Palliative care (PC) is essential medical care for improving the quality of life for patients with life-threatening illnesses and their families. There has been substantial evolution of PC services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), yet public awareness regarding PC remains shallow, hindering its utilization and acceptance on a large scale.

This study aimed to evaluate public perceptions and awareness of PC in the UAE. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in both Arabic and English. This study emphasizes the need of addressing these gaps to integrate PC effectively into the UAE healthcare system, ensuring equitable access and improved quality of life for patients and their families.

Inclusion Criteria:

• UAE residents
• Provided informed consent to participate
• Completed the survey in either Arabic or English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Non-UAE residents
• Incomplete survey responses (if applicable)

The target population included residents of the UAE, both Emiratis and expatriates, who could read and respond in either English or Arabic.

The individual participant data (IPD) from this study will not be publicly disclosed due to confidentiality concerns. However, aggregated data supporting the findings of this study may be available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, subject to institutional and ethical approvals.