Government launches first national survey of happiness and positivity

A first-of-its-kind national survey was launched on Sunday by the Government of the UAE to measure happiness and positivity across the country, identify priorities and sources of happiness for society, as well as create a database of the results to help local and federal government entities to develop legislation, policies, plans and services to achieve happiness for the entire society.

"Starting on 12th December, some 14,000 people, representing all social segments and including nationals, expatriates, visitors and tourists, will be polled in a nation-wide survey to be conducted through collaboration between the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, Abu Dhabi Statistics Centre, and Dubai Statistics Centre," said Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness, while unveiling the survey.

Through the national survey for happiness and positivity, pollsters will seek feedback from participants for the following: happiness, positivity, quality of life, education, learning, healthcare, society, culture, environment, infrastructure, government services, living standards and work.

"Happiness and positivity are among the priorities and goals set by the UAE Government, which seeks to identify what affects society's happiness. The launch of the national survey of happiness and positivity comes within the context of the efforts aimed at developing precise and comprehensive scientific tools and indices that will enable government entities to embrace plans and strategies to achieve happiness throughout society," Minister Al Roumi said.

The survey, she noted, is further in line with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who described happiness as a top priority and a sustainable goal.

It is also in line with the vision of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recently said "Happiness can be measured, and its evaluation is already the subject of many programs and studies", adding that the government is already measuring happiness at federal agencies.

Al Roumi called upon all to co-operate with the teams conducting the survey, to help identify how happiness can be achieved for them and help enhance the UAE's contribution to international efforts to design happiness and positivity indices.

In March 2016, during a Cabinet session, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid described happiness and positivity in the UAE as "a lifestyle, a government commitment and a spirit uniting the UAE community."