Eighty three percent of people in Dubai consider themselves happy today, and 95 percent predict that they will be happy in five years from now, according to a study released by the Smart Dubai Office at the first meeting of the "Happiness Champions" for the Smart Dubai Happiness Agenda. Dr. Aisha bin Bishr, Director-General of the Smart Dubai Office, introduced the study, saying: "The Happiness Snapshot is the next step in our continual efforts to discover and measure people's happiness. We will use this data to achieve our vision for 95 percent happiness in Dubai by 2021, in line with the directive of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum." "In Dubai, we believe that happiness can be achieved; that happiness can be measured, and that we can aid our leadership to positively impact happiness for the city, through science and technology," said Dr. Aisha. "The Happiness Snapshot study collects valuable data on the beliefs and motivations of Dubai residents towards happiness in the city. In the near future, this data will be used by city leaders to guide decision-making on new projects and positively influence the happiness of people in Dubai," she added. "The Happiness Snapshot supports the Smart Dubai Happiness Agenda to discover and create a common definition for happiness in Dubai, with a scientific framework to measure and impact happiness in our unique cultural landscape," she stated. The announcement took place during the first meeting of the Happiness Champions for the Happiness Agenda by Smart Dubai. Representatives from 13 government entities and the Smart Dubai Office gathered in Dubai for an interactive workshop to introduce the Happiness Champions to the Agenda, and inspire a creative dialogue on activities government entities can adopt to promote happiness through a scientific framework. Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Aisha said: "Dubai is leading a citywide transformation to happiness that is unprecedented. To accomplish our vision, we must unite as a city. The Smart Dubai Office will collaborate with Happiness Champions from 13 government entities to lead our city through the Happiness Agenda and empower Dubai residents, business-owners and decision-makers to prioritise happiness." "The Happiness Agenda is a global game-changer for Dubai, and our Happiness Champions are on the front lines of this initiative.Each Happiness Champion has been nominated by their Director General for their proven commitment to impacting positive city experiences, and consistent dedication to the vision of happiness in Dubai," she said. "In the first workshop, the Happiness Champions have been equipped with the scientific framework and tools to begin measuring and changing happiness for the city." Dr. Aisha added. The Smart Dubai Happiness Agenda was adopted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum earlier this year to guide Dubai's smart city transformation to positively impact happiness in Dubai through a science-backed and methodical approach, organized in four strategic portfolios to discover, change, educate and measure happiness for the city. The Happiness Agenda will discover basic and higher needs, formalise definitions and establish a cultural baseline for happiness in Dubai; influence policies and recommend approaches to focus the city and people on happiness; build awareness, teach self-reflection and influence the city to prioritise happiness; and research, formulate and implement a predictive happiness impact score and citywide index. - Emirates 24/7
