NEW YORK: The UAE was ranked first in the Arab region in the World Happiness Report (WHR), for the fifth consecutive year.

According to a statement issued by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), which produces the World Happiness Report, “In 2016, the United Arab Emirates committed to implementing a happiness and wellbeing policy agenda within the UAE, and to help lead the growing happiness and wellbeing movement globally through research, collaboration, and policy implementation.” The statement added, “Results from the most recent world happiness report, released on 20th March 2019 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, indicate positive trends for the UAE since 2016.”

It also said, “UAE nationals recorded high happiness scores. Furthermore, living in the UAE shows a positive impact on the lives of residents; the happiness scores of residents living in the UAE are higher than their scores in their home countries.”

In the 2016 World Happiness Report, the UAE ranked 28th in the global happiness rankings, and since then, the country has seen gains in its score and has advanced seven places to 21st worldwide. Its overall happiness score has also been improving every year from 2016 to 2019.

“These results confirm that the UAE is on an upward national trajectory since its 2016 commitment to happiness and wellbeing,” the statement concluded, according to WAM.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs (MFNCA) held an awareness workshop titled “Wellbeing in the Workplace” to mark the International Day of Happiness Wednesday.

Tariq Hilal Lootah, Undersecretary of the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs, took part in the workshop, along with Sami Mohammed Bin Adi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Support Services Sector; and a host of officials and employees from the Ministry.

The workshop coincides with activities around the UAE and the world to celebrate the International Day of Happiness; it seeks to raise awareness about the main factors that establish a happiness-based culture and promote wellbeing in the workplace, in addition to underlining the positive effects of such an environment on productivity and performance.  

“This workshop is another step forward towards promoting happiness and satisfaction among our employees, and creating an environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and productivity,” said Lootah.

“This is rooted in our firm belief that happy employees work harder and are dedicated to the Ministry’s role in promoting innovation and providing administrative services that meet high standards of quality, efficiency, and transparency.”

“Our activities are an integral part of the government’s efforts to promote happiness in the community, in line with the vision and directives of our wise leadership,” Lootah added.

“We look forward to intensifying these efforts in order to ensure a long-lasting impact on the happiness of our employees, who we consider to be our true wealth, and who we rely on to ensure the happiness of the entire community.”

Self-Development Trainer and Author Hanan Al Sammak led the workshop, which included an interactive programme that sheds light on the concept of positive thinking and its role in promoting physical and mental health in individuals, and improving performance in the workplace.

Participants expressed great interest in the workshop and in finding solutions to upgrade the work environment by engaging in exercises for mindfulness, self-control, preventing negative thinking, and striking balance between their personal and professional life.

Separately, the Central Bank of the UAE has on Wednesday announced the launch of a series of initiatives to mark the International Day of Happiness, celebrated worldwide on March 20th. The activities which commenced on 17th March will go across five days during which the importance of happiness in the workplace will be highlighted. The Central Bank has encouraged all of its branches, as well as other banks across the UAE, to join the Bank and partake in the festivities. They are participating by displaying messages across ATM screens as well as hosting activities to spread the important message to their clients and colleagues.