OBJECTIVE: Developmental disabilities are lifelong conditions with considerable public health impact, incurring substantial financial and societal costs. Data on prevalence and associated factors can provide the basis for setting priorities and designing interventions. METHODS: A representative random sample of 694 United Arab Emirates national children aged 3 years were evaluated in a two-stage epidemiological study. RESULTS: Stage 1 screening using the Denver Developmental Screening Test found that 8.4% [confidence interval (CI): 6.4-10.7] had global developmental delay (GDD). Using clinical diagnostic interview in Stage 2, the weighted prevalence for clinically significant developmental disability was estimated to be 2.44% (CI: 1.28-3.56). GDD was associated with pregnancy and birth complications, poor maternal education, family history of developmental problems, and major traumatic life events, as well as behavioral problems in children. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the need for comprehensive and early screening programs for developmental problems, and the importance of training medical and child care professionals accordingly.