Abu Dhabi sees rise in happiness, satisfaction rates

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi announced coinciding with the International Day of Happiness, which falls on March 20 every year, and is considered one of the most important global days declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in recognition of the importance of happiness as a key driver of community, economic, and sustainable development, DCD reports quality of life indicators show increased happiness and satisfaction rates in Abu Dhabi.

Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD, stressed that caring for community members and enhancing lifestyle leads to achieving a better quality of life and happiness.

He stated that happiness should be considered as one of the main factors for the society’s well-being, in addition to socioeconomic indicators.

The happiness and well-being index is one of the key indicators of quality of life, which includes two basic criteria - life satisfaction and happiness.

The results showed an increase in the happiness index by 7.8 per cent, from 7.17 to 7.727 points out of 10, the life satisfaction index increased by 6.68 per cent, from 6.68 to 7.1258 points, the work-life balance index (satisfied and very satisfied) saw an increase of up to 16 per cent, from 36.6 per cent to 52.6 per cent, and the overall residence satisfaction in Abu Dhabi index (satisfied and very satisfied) increased from 67.9 per cent to 69.8 per cent, while the Satisfaction with current housing income index increased from 33 per cent to 38.5 per cent.

Al Khaili added that the UAE and its wise leadership strives to solidify the concept of happiness and social well-being in citizens and residents.

This has led the UAE to become one of the most prominent countries in achieving the highest levels of satisfaction and happiness.

DCD conducts periodic studies and annual surveys to identify the society needs and ambitions and boost development in line with the department’s vision to achieve a dignified life for all members of the community.

The UAE maintained its highest ranking among Arab countries for the 7th consecutive year in the World Happiness Report 2021.

It’s also continuing global advancement and leading over many advanced countries and economies, according to the annual report that is released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Al Khaili noted that the UAE has made great efforts to improve community members’ happiness by upgrading services in many key sectors, including education and healthcare, in addition to providing a strong infrastructure to achieve prosperity.