UAE is a state of happiness

In light of the conference entitled Happiness and Wellbeing: Defining A New Economic Paradigm held by the United Nations on April 2, a report on World Happiness was released, which placed the UAE in the 17th position globally. It became the first and only Arab country to make it to the top 20 list.

The results from the report showed that the happiest nations in the world were in the Scandinavian region and the least happy in Africa. The 150-page report tackles interesting subjects that define what countries need to offer their citizens for them to be happy — providing the basic needs for happiness and security. It urges governments to enhance public policies that are beneficial to their citizens.

For the UAE to be present on the list of the top 20 nations is a testament to the fact that, with its wise leadership, it is paving the path towards becoming a contented country. It is evidence that the services it provides and the environment that it creates for its people are appreciated and certainly deserved.

The late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, said: "The goal is the happiness of our family, our children, and our nation, that [is] the main goal." Shaikh Zayed considered all citizens his children, and treated them all as family members. He made it a conscious decision to commit his life to his country, and the national wealth to be shared by all. He ensured that we all had basic necessities available to guarantee our prosperity and development. He designed the core system 40 years ago and it is still in practice today. He placed the first brick that our present leadership continues to build upon.

It is an achievement that the UAE is featured on the list, but we have to aim for a better result in the years to come. We need to continue to progress and develop to come out even better. I would like to see the UAE on the list of the top five countries. Hence, we are required to take some essential steps towards achieving that goal.

Seeking happiness is a human objective, and as people we do the impossible to achieve it. The Happiness Report has also confirmed this finding; not all wealthy countries were on the top of the list. Having a higher income may increase happiness to a certain extent, but not entirely because, as humans, we are on a continuous quest for more and that is never-ending. Therefore, it is important that we look into other sources for happiness.

Deep inside we truly believe that we are on top of the world because we have everything it takes for us as citizens and residents to be happy. And because we believe in this simple truth we need to convert our beliefs into actions by walking down the road that will lead us to not only believing but also making the world believe that we are on top.

Looking at the data gathered on the UAE by the World Economic Forum, I have found that there are certain areas that need to be developed further including the health, education and employment sectors. These sectors are vital in securing the happiness for all residents of the country. We need to live in an environment that is secure, provides us adequate health care, ensures that we are well educated, and that we have proper jobs.

We have witnessed major changes in all these sectors. For example, the presence of international medical establishments in the country, tightening of the criteria for medical expertise, and filling the gaps by sending our patients abroad when necessary. The education system has also flourished with reputed international institutions opening branches in the UAE. The number of graduates is increasing every year and the level of illiteracy is at an all-time low. The employment issue has also been a main concern and there are many projects that are taking place to guarantee that it is reduced. There are development projects to bridge the gap between the requirements of the workplace and the applicants by providing necessary training. Also, small and medium businesses are being encouraged by providing citizens with the needed financial support and guidance from experts.

Positive changes

Is all the above enough? I am certain that the development of all sectors, especially the ones mentioned, should be continuous. We must bear in mind the needs of the residents and make more positive changes through our policies. Our public institutions — hospitals, schools, colleges and corporations — should all reflect international standards and best practices.

It is true that happiness is subjective to each person but our government made it a priority. It is a responsibility that it has undertaken and we are truly fortunate to be treasured by our government. The UAE provides us with security, prosperity, equality and a sense of togetherness alongside all other important services. It is our duty to give back and to serve it whole-heartedly. It is also important that we provide feedback to those concerned in order to ensure that our voices are heard. With our feedback, the services provided will continue to develop because, at the end of the day, it is a joint venture between us and the government.

We need to change from being in a state of egoism to altruism and only then will we definitely make it to number one.

Shaikha Al Maskari is an Emirati writer from Abu Dhabi. You can follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/uaeyah