UAE’s status as one of the happiest nations is much deserved
Country’s revised residency norms will further add to its credentials
As one of the most prosperous nations in the Arab world, the UAE is no stranger to the idea of a happy society. The country is tasked with managing the aspirations of a huge expat population alongside that of its own citizens.
Daunting if one thinks about it, but the UAE has found the right balance, consistently ranking among the happiest nations in the world — at 27th, and among the top nations when it comes to the satisfaction of residents from other countries. This validation is much deserved, considering that the past 15 months have been a test unlike any for a nation whose expat population outnumbers local citizens nine to one.
Knowledge hub
As the first nation in the world to have a dedicated Ministry of Happiness to harmonise all government plans, programmes and policies to achieve a happier society, not just has the UAE upped the existing high standards of healthcare, education and social security systems, but also opened up non-traditional and capitalintensive sectors that are niche and futuristic. What’s helped here is the focus on becoming a knowledge hub, with knowledge seen as key to the central idea of happiness.
Then there is the aspect of becoming a leader in digital adoption. Digitisation has crept into almost every aspect, and the UAE’s entry into new-age sectors such as space, robotics, fintech and biosciences shows its appetite to be a hotbed for innovation. This appetite is reflected in the country’s tech infrastructure and revised residency norms that make it a magnet for highly skilled professionals who can help advance several challenges faced by the UAE and the larger MENA region.
Upping attractiveness
Women safety is another area where the UAE ranks high globally, and the ecosystem here is best positioned to address gender inequality and empower the region’s female entrepreneurs.
While all this is incredible, the UAE competes with some of the world’s most developed nations, which are equally invested in their pursuit of the next generation of talent. The global demand for niche skills is increasing, and unlike in the past, the new generation of tech-centric workers are spoilt for choice.
The UAE has set a good example so far, dealing with great care, patience and sensitivity in establishing a progressive society that is a natural extension of its history and tradition. The clarity with which this change has been executed defines the path that the UAE has set for itself among its peers.