Positive vibrations in Dubai
First Happiness Festival all about being the best person you can be
DUBAI // Positivity and well-being were at the top of the agenda for more than 2,000 people yesterday.
Visitors of all ages took part in the city’s first Happiness Festival organised by the Happiness Hub, a positive psychology consultancy, held at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club.
“The Happiness Festival is all about making happiness simple and accessible,” said Fiona Baroon, chief executive and founder of the Happiness Hub.
“We have created an event that is focused on building a community of like-minded people, who have the common goal of being their best self as an individual, in relationships and at work.” The festival was based on themes and involved more than 60 interactive sessions led by experts. These included positive emotion, relationships, meaning, accomplishment, yoga and well-being for both children and men.
Kate Riley, who attended the festival with her husband, said that such an event should take place more often.
“It’s a fantastic idea and very well organised,” said the Briton, who has lived in Dubai for more than 10 years.
“There is so much to do in the festival. So many people have come along and enjoyed it with their friends and families.
“It is like being a part of a big happy family picnic – we are making new friends and there is a lot of happiness around,” she said.
Joseph Bruce, who conducted a session looking at the male perspective on happiness and how to turn failure into success, said the festival had created an opportunity for people to explore some great ways to experience more happiness.
“It turned out to be a great day out for families, couples and friends,” said Mr Bruce, who is a psychologist and talent consultant.
“The purpose [of the event] is to share with people different ways to overcome challenges,
‘ We have created an event that is focused on building a community of like-minded people Fiona Baroon Happiness Hub founder
prevent unnecessary negative thoughts and feelings and enhance our overall well-being.”
Dr Jessica Rios- Habib, who conducted a session with children, said that such a festival could bring positive energy among participants as happiness is a process. “Happiness is a much more ongoing and long- term [ process] and therefore requires a greater vision [which includes] reaching multiple goals along the way,” said the clinical psychologist, who added that although residents appreciate the beauty and luxuries of living in Dubai, they still believe that happiness goes further than that.
“Regardless of living within the Dubai lifestyle, at the end of the day, parents will pass on their internal definition of happiness simply through the way they themselves behave and perceive things,” Dr Rios-Habib said. Ms Baroon said she hoped to stage a similar festival every year.
“We will be running this annually and hope to run a kids’ version later in the year,” she said. “We are also exploring running a Happiness Festival Roadshow across the Middle East.”