The UAE’s Minister of Happiness, Ohood Al Roumi, says this about her role and what she is trying to achieve during her time in office:

“Happiness is a serious job for governments,” said Ms Al Roumi. “The main job for the government is to create happiness. In 2011, the UN encouraged the member countries to look at happiness for a holistic approach for development.”

Ms Al Roumi, said: “The role of the government is to create an environment where people can flourish – can reach their potential – and choose to be happy.”

During the World Government Summit in Dubai earlier this year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced that Minister of State for Happiness will have the responsibility to “align and drive government policy to create social good and satisfaction”.

“We want a government that works on building the skills of its people, aside from providing services … a government focused on putting the happiness of citizens at the forefront of its priorities,” Sheikh Mohammed.

The UAE is ranked as the 28th happiest country in the world, according to last year’s UN World Happiness Report. Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland occupied the top three slots. The UAE was the happiest country in the region.
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