UAE embarks on first happiness journey
DUBAI — As the UAE embarked on its first ‘Happiness Journey’, the world’s first minister of happiness shared with delegates and members of the public what it takes to be in high spirits.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the events of the Happiness Journey on Saturday.
“Happiness is a choice that requires a personal commitment and I hope today’s journey helps you make this choice,” Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness, told the public.
The Happiness Journey, which coincides with the International Day of Happiness that falls on March 20 every year, saw the participation of hundreds of residents and public figures marching in a parade from the Dubai Water Canal to Box Park and back.
Visitors took part in awareness sessions on happiness and positivity presented by local and international scientists and experts until 8pm. “Today, we celebrate happiness and today’s walk is a sample of our path towards happiness and positivity as a lifestyle in the UAE. Happiness is a journey, not a destination, hence the name of our event today is the happiness journey,” said Al Roumi.
She noted that the Happiness Journey marks the beginning of an annual celebration and is the first of a series of community initiatives as part of the National Happiness and Positivity Programme to make happiness a lifestyle for UAE residents.
Social media influencers, charity organisations and school students were among the participants of the event, which saw variety of colourful banners, smiley balloons, charts and flags as people broke out in cheers during their 2km journey that started around 9am with a marching band. A ‘happiness ambulance’ was also spotted.
The event focused on five main values of happiness: Giving, positivity, gratitude, relationships and meaning, with each value having its own stand.
Al Roumi, who was appointed as a happiness minister last year, said positivity is a perspective. “Positivity is the pair of glasses through which you view the world. If the glasses are dark, you see the world as full of disasters and evil, but with positive outlook, we see the world as full of positivity, achievements and happiness. You’ll even see challenges as opportunities.”
She noted that developing honest and authentic relationships with loved ones, knowing the purpose in life, and finding meaning in our role in society are the main elements of any individual’s pursuit of happiness.
“Being able to experience life for another day is a gift we need to be grateful for,” she said.
Today, we celebrate happiness and today’s walk is a sample of our path towards happiness and positivity as a lifestyle in the UAE. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”
Positivity is the pair of glasses through which you view the world. If the glasses are dark, you see the world as full of evil, but with positive outlook, we see the world as full of positivity.”
Developing honest relationships with loved ones, knowing the purpose in life, and finding meaning in our role in society are the main elements of any individual’s pursuit of happiness.” Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness