Is Dubai’s Goal Of Happiness For All Realistic?

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What is happiness?

To some it’s family and friends, and to others it’s cars and money. And as the internet has proven, to many, it’s simply videos of kittens. The point is, that happiness is subjective. It come in different forms to different people and as a result, how feasible is Dubai’s goal of happiness for all?

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Dubai is one of the world’s fastest evolving cities. 

In 50 odd years, it has seen the development of beautiful skyscrapers; the world’s tallest building to be specific, the establishment of world-class brands, the evolution of a diverse population and a complex network of roads where there was once just sand. Now that all these milestones, and many more, have been achieved, it’s pretty amazing that the emirates’ leadership have adopted happiness as a theme to nurture.

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A lot of tangible ‘happiness’ steps are being taken at a government level

2016 saw this idea take flight with the appointment of Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi as the Minister of State for Happiness in the UAE Cabinet. Her position at the helm of the newly established ministry aimed to promote the UAE’s plans, programmes and policies to promote happiness throughout the UAE. Joining Al Roumi, was minister of tolerance, Sheikha Lubna bint Khaled al Qasimi, who became the UAE’s first female minister in 2004 and Shamma AlMazrui, 22, the minister of youth affairs.

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The move signalled the importance of representation for citizens of the Emirates and a new era in leadership, contributing ultimately to the happiness of the people. A month later, Sheikh Mohammed adopted a 100 day happiness plan saying “Happiness in the UAE is not just a hope. There will be plans, projects, programmes and indicators. It will be a part of the work of all our ministries and part of our lifestyle.”

Exactly one year later, in March 2017, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, launched the ‘Government Policies Guide’, focusing on promoting the happiness and welfare of individuals in society.

‘We want to make happiness a reality in society’

“Enhancing happiness is the government’s main role, and we want Dubai Government to come up with plans to ensure happiness in society through innovative policies, services and programmes. By ensuring that the achievement of happiness is a key goal at all stages of the policymaking process, we want to make sustainable happiness a reality in society. Happiness is the compass of Dubai Plan 2021, and we have been working over the last few years to measure it in different sections of society. It is the main indicator that will demonstrate the success of our plans” 

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The goal of happiness is being led from the top, it’s up to others to decide to follow or not

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And only a month ago, a street in DIFC was officially named “Happiness Street”. All spheres of life in the Emirates have been included in the goal of promoting happiness here from governance and policy to the very streets that we walk down. HH Sheikh Mohammed also recently released his third book entitled “Reflections on Happiness and Positivity” focusing on the happiness of the people.

Can happiness really be part of our lifestyle?

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The Government sees the state as a living being, and the goal of happiness is for the state. Individuals, no matter their circumstances will see happiness as subjective. However, by following the guidance set out, perhaps happiness is more achievable for everyone in Dubai than anywhere else.

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