Gratitude Wall launched in Zaabeel Park
dubai — For the past two months Zaabeel Park has been celebrating happiness with the Happiness Market organised by the Dar Al Ber Society (DABS) every Friday.
Friday was a special day at the Happiness Market as the DABS launched a Wall of Gratitude in honour of the countrywide initiative to say ‘Thank you Mohamed Bin Zayed’. The wall was signed by dignitaries of various government departments such as the Dubai Municipality, Department of Economic Development, Dubai Tourism etc.
The event was organised following His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, urged people to offer thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, “with a meaningful word or an inspiring picture or a good act”.
The Happiness Market is aimed at supporting local businesses, especially those owned by Emiratis, by providing a conducive and accessible platform and providing stalls to vendors at the lowest rent in town. While the primary purpose of the extended market is to generate income for the humanitarian activities of the DABS, it also provides an opportunity for companies to promote their brands and generate cash sales.
“We give out a lot of free consumer items and services to the visitors to add to their happiness quotient. These range from free medical check-ups, tea, ice creams and more. This is our way at the DABS to give back to the society. We are making conscious efforts to live up to our tagline — ‘Smile on every face’,” Juhi Yasmeen Khan, CSR and charity initiatives expert at the DABS, told Khaleej Times.
“The market has become a huge success and we are seeing a footfall of about 20,000 people every week. We are hoping to make this an ongoing event that will continue throughout the year at different parks and malls,” she added.
The concept of Happiness Market is inspired by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to make Dubai the happiest city in the world, and the markets are in alignment with the Year of Giving initiative. The ambience of the market is that of a fun fair, where families can spend quality time together. In addition to retail outlets and food kiosks, the market also hosts games, activities and competitions for kids.
“Our main aim is to keep our people happy and this is what the Happiness Market does. Friday is the day when most people go out with their families and this market gives them all they need to have a good family time — opportunity to shop and eat their favourite food. Whatever they spend here will bring smiles to many underprivileged families. Apart from the Happiness Market, we are also looking to launch more initiatives supporting orphans and people of determination,” said Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, CEO of the DABS and director-general of the human resources department at the Dubai Ruler’s Office.
The initiatives of the DABS have been supporting the underprivileged since 1979 by paying for their basic requirements such as medical expenses, schools fees, house rent and food.
We give out a lot of free consumer items and services to the visitors to add to their happiness quotient. We are making conscious efforts to live up to our tagline — ‘Smile on every face’.” Juhi Yasmeen Khan, CSR and charity initiatives expert, DABS