OBJECTIVES:  Despite the high prevalence (25%) of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), few data are available on the types and quality of care administered. Quality of care is an important determinant of whether clinical targets can be met, and serious complications avoided. The objective was to estimate the proportion of T2DM patients receiving recommended monitoring of clinical measures in Dubai, over one year. METHODS:  Charts from T2DM patients aged ≥18 years that visited the Dubai Hospital between October 2009 and March 2010 (enrolment period) were systematically sampled until the target (n=250) was reached. Quality of care was assessed from April 2010 to March 2011, adapted from the United States (US) Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) Comprehensive Diabetes Care measures. Measures included: glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) screening, control (<8%) and poor control (>9%); low-density lipoprotein (LDL) screening and control (<100mg/dL); blood pressure (BP) control (<140/90mmHg); retinopathy screening; and medical attention for nephropathy. Patients were classified as having control based on their latest test in the period. RESULTS:  Mean age at enrolment was 58 years (standard deviation (SD): 12 years), 33% were male, and mean T2DM duration was 14 years (SD: 8 years). Over the 12-month period, 98% underwent HbA1c screening (54% had control and 26% displayed poor control); 90% underwent LDL screening (64% had control); 43% had BP control; 32% had retinopathy screening; and 16% attention for nephropathy. Two-hundred and eleven patients (84%) were screened for BP, LDL and HbA1c measures over the period. CONCLUSIONS:  Guideline monitoring was conducted for most patients; rates of compliance were comparable to or higher than US benchmarks for HbA1c and LDL monitoring. Greater understanding of the factors leading to high adherence to the guidelines would be useful for other areas of preventive care, and other hospitals and jurisdictions.