UAE one of the happiest countries in the world, study reveals

The UAE has been ranked one of the happiest countries in the world, according to a new report.

Top consultancy firm BCG released the study in collaboration with the 2019 World Government Summit, which is currently being held at Madinat Jumeirah.

It ranked the country above other markets including the USA, Canada, Belgium and France after assessing "income and happiness dynamics".

The data from the report shows that the UAE has increased happiness through a range of initiatives.

Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Government has been fuelling a city transformation to happiness. Large steps have already been made such as adopting a globally unique, science-based programme to analyse happiness levels, asking people to rate public services with emoji-style reviews, assessing the impact of change and rewarding good behaviour, instead of punishing bad.

A Happiness Agenda has been rolled out and is overseen by the Government’s Smart Dubai department, 60 Chief Happiness and Positivity Officers have been hired and flown around the world to be trained in creating a more positive workforce for companies and, ultimately, a more joyful nation.

Meanwhile, a police Happiness Patrol hand out rewards to law-abiding motorists instead of traffic tickets.

Not only that, but Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi has been named as the Minister of State for Happiness in the Cabinet – making the UAE one of four national governments to appoint a senior government member responsible for coordinating national happiness efforts.

Dr. Leila Hoteit, partner and managing director at Boston Consulting Group Middle East, said: "As an advocate for enhancing lives across the world, we are proud to be part of conversations that help to shape government agendas which reflect a drive towards achieving societal well-being – an area that the UAE leadership continues to lead the world in through its happiness agenda."

Last month, the UAE was named one of the world's best places to work, ranking fourth for economics in HSBC's Expat Explorer survey of more than 22,000 people working abroad.

Top reasons for moving here included to increase earnings, for career progression and for an improvement in quality of life.

Two thirds of expats said they had more disposable income, with 85 percent paying off debts and building up savings.

And seven in 10 people added that they would recommend the country to someone looking for a new life abroad, which isn't a surprise considering how much there is to do here.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in timeoutdubai on February 13 2019 https://www.timeoutdubai.com/news/396950-uae-one-of-the-happiest-countries-in-the-world-study-reveals