Abu Dhabi: Visionary leaders, equality, giving, security and tolerance are key to happiness in the UAE — the happiest nation regionally, according to parliamentarians.
Bin Galita says: “We are happy with our leaders who think of well-being of present and future generations. Happiness in the UAE is sustainable since the inception of the UAE Federation all through the future.”
As March 20 is International Day of Happiness, Gulf News looks at UAE’s vision to create the happiest nation in the world.
The returning member of the House says good citizenship is the key to making the UAE a happier, and the happiest, nation in the world.
For His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the formula of happiness is straightforward: national development based on core values, led by youth and focused on a future in which everyone achieves happiness.
Shaikh Mohammad said as he approved the initial 100-day plan for the UAE’s first National Programme of Happiness, “Our goal is that happiness is a way of life in UAE society. Our aim is to shape a path for the UAE that frees future generations from dependence on the ever-fluctuating oil market.” He noted that Dh300 billion has been invested to diversify the economy (and build a sustainable economic model).
“The role of government is to create an environment in which people can achieve their dreams and ambitions, not to create an environment that government can control. The point is to empower people, not hold power over them.”
Shaikh Mohammad also had a message for “others in our region that change can happen by our hands only”, adding “our region does not need a super-strong external power to stop its decline; we need the power from within that can overcome the hatred and intolerance that has blighted life in many neighbouring countries”.
Bin Sulaiman says that our leaders care for the well-being of not only citizens of the country but also residents as the UAE is a country for all and that is the key of its happiness and that is why Shaikh Mohammad appointed a minister for happiness.
On why he appointed a minister of happiness, Shaikh Mohammad said in the LinkedIn Influencer article: “Since the dawn of history, happiness is all that humanity has sought. Aristotle said the state is a living being which develops in seeking the achievement of moral perfection and happiness for individuals. Ibn Khaldun said the same thing. Likewise, the United States’ Declaration of Independence upholds the pursuit of happiness as every person’s right.”
Shaikh Mohammad also notes that the Minister of Happiness’ good work will see very real economic benefits in the UAE. “Studies have shown that happy people produce more, live longer, and drive better economic development in their communities and countries.”
Bin Sulaiman says a tolerant society where individuals and groups are equal before the law and not subjected to discrimination is key of a happier UAE.
She quoted the eloquent open letter of Shaikh Mohammad when he explained why he appointed a Minister of Tolerance: “We have also learned from hundreds of thousands of dead and millions of refugees in our region that sectarian, ideological, cultural and religious bigotry only fuel the fires of rage. We cannot and will not allow this in our country. We need to study, teach, and practise tolerance — and to instil it in our children, both through education and our own example.”
Shaikh Mohammad says that when the Arab world was “tolerant and accepting of others, it led the world”. He explained that from the civilisations of Damascus to Andalusia, Arab people “provided beacons of science, knowledge, and civilisation, because humane values were the basis of our relationships with all civilisations, cultures, and religions”.
“Our leaders care for youth and believe they are future of the nation,” Jasem said.
In the letter, Shaikh Mohammad says: “The changes [in the UAE government] reflect what we have learnt from events in our region over the past five years. In particular, we have learnt that failure to respond effectively to the aspirations of young people, who represent more than half of the population in Arab countries is like swimming against the tide,” the leader explains in his open letter.
“We do not forget that the genesis of the tension in our region, the events dubbed the ‘Arab Spring’, was squarely rooted in the lack of opportunities for young people to achieve their dreams and ambitions.”
He even acknowledges that the youth have something to offer that his generation doesn’t: “We believe that they are faster than us in acquiring and processing knowledge because they have grown up with tools and techniques that we lacked at their age.”
Ban Ki-Moon’s message
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s Message for International Day of Happiness
This year’s International Day of Happiness is focused on Climate Action for a Happy Planet.
Everyone can be part of our campaign: governments, civic groups, the media and individuals. This year, even cartoon characters have joined in as the United Nations teams up with a group famous for lacking good cheer: the Angry Birds.
These animated ambassadors are helping to raise awareness about the importance of climate action for our common future. You can join them by sharing your own climate actions using the hashtag #AngryBirdsHappyPlanet.
At this time of grave injustices, devastating wars, mass displacement, grinding poverty and other manmade causes of suffering, the International Day of Happiness is a global chance to assert that peace, well-being and joy deserve primacy. It is about more than individual contentment; it is an affirmation that we have a collective responsibility to humanity.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is our plan to realise a life of dignity for all people. By advancing progress towards the interlinked Sustainable Development Goals, we can help spread happiness and secure peace.
The best way to celebrate this International Day of Happiness is by taking action to alleviate suffering. In this spirit, let us use this occasion to renew a global spirit of solidarity to create a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for all.
