Government employees to learn the 'science of happiness'

Staff at Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department make up the first batch of students to do four training modules in how happiness can become a part of their working lives.

A smiley face has been painted onto the dome of the Muraqqabat Police Station in Dubai in a bid to promote happiness. Courtesy Dubai Police
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A pilot programme to study the science of happiness has been launched, with employees from Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department making up the inaugural class.

Students will be wrapped up in the nation’s happiness agenda for the duration of the course, and will have access to the theories, procedures, mechanisms and best policies to achieve customer satisfaction.

Four training modules will work students towards a "7 star" system of happiness at all levels of customer service.

Training will result in a professional diploma, so students can address happiness from a scientific angle to transfer their skills into their careers.

The Ministry of Happiness has been established to instil happiness as a core value among people in the UAE.

The National Programme for Happiness and Positivity aims to convey happiness to government policy and work environments.

The Ministry of Happiness was set up to make happiness a core value among citizens, with 60 CEOs selected for happiness and positivity training in federal and local government departments.

Last year, the World Happiness Report issued by the UN Sustainable Development Solution Network ranked the UAE first in the Arab world and 28th among 157 countries measured.

Academic institutions play a crucial role in embedding a culture of happiness, according to

Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness.

“Academic institutions can spread these principles and policies and offer them as part of their curricula,” she said.

Activities around the fourth and final module of the programme will be wrapped up on August 15, and graduation projects will be presented in September by all 20 participating executives from the IACAD.