UAE happiest nation in the Arab world

dubai — The UAE is the Arab world’s happiest country, according to an annual survey released on Wednesday. Among 156 countries worldwide, the UAE has been ranked 20th in the World Happiness Report, one rank up from last year.

This is the fourth time straight that the country has been named the happiest in the region.

Finland secured the top spot in the report, rising from fifth place last year to oust Norway. The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s annual report ranks countries according to factors such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, social freedom, generosity and absence of corruption.

Hailing the ranking, Emiratis said the UAE’s tolerant society makes people happy. “I love the fact that we live with so many nationalities that the country embraces with full respect and no discrimination,” Emirati Ahmed bin Al Sheikh said.

dubai— Among 156 countries worldwide, the UAE has been ranked at the 20th place in the World Happiness Report, one rank up from last year.

The country is also ranked as the happiest country in the Arab World for the fourth consecutive year in the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s 2018 World Happiness Report, followed by Qatar 32, Saudi Arabia 33, Bahrain 43 and Kuwait 45.

Finland was named as the world’s happiest country, rising from fifth place last year to oust Norway from the top spot while Britain was placed 19th in the report, which was released on Wednesday.

The annual Gallup World Poll, participated by 156 countries and had 1,000 samples, put Burundi at the bottom of the index and found Americans were getting less happy even as their country became richer.

safety is what makes us happy, say residents

While countries across the Arab world are dealing with political conflicts, expats say they find safety in the UAE.

Egyptian Nourhan Maher who’s been residing in the UAE for the past 24 years said it is by far the “best country to live in”.

“Everything is there for you with full convenience, accessibility and safety, what more could one ask for?”

Maher, who has been to many countries around the world, said the UAE is a place where authorities make sure they implement law and justice regardless of race, religion or color and maintain discipline.

“Only in the UAE you can leave your bag temporarily in a coffee shop and come back to find it,” she added.

Echoing similar thoughts was Indian Swati Sengupta, who said the UAE is a great place that grants equal opportunities especially for women. “Coming from India, the level of security I enjoy here for both work and pleasure, in the day as well as at night, is incredible.”

Palestinian-Canadian Mousa Nimer, UAE resident since 1996, said the remarkable code of ethics, discipline, tolerance, safety and cleanliness is what kept him in the country. He said leaders clearly listen to the needs of the population and provide opportunities’ accordingly.

Dubai-resident for the last 26 years, Farah Nada from Egypt, said two reasons lie behind her happiness in the country. “I always feel safe and because there is such diversity of experience. I hope these two factors never change.”

International residents make up 87 per cent of UAE’s population, according to the World Happiness Report.

Everything is there for you with full convenience, accessibility and safety, what more could one ask for?” Nourhan Maher, Egyptian resident

It’s safe and easy to walk around in Sharjah. It’s very peaceful and the people are welcoming and kind.” Deena Stevens, Malaysian resident

In just 45 years, we saw unprecedented developments and emerging number of family destinations.” Mousa Nimer, Palestinian-Canadian

The level of security I enjoy here for both work and pleasure, in the day as well as at night, is incredible.” Swati Sengupta, Indian resident

If you are supported in a safe place with leadership that’s very close to public then how will you not be happy?” Reem Al Marzouqi, Emirati inventor

UAE embraces different cultures beautifully, and by being here, I can get a taste of every culture/ country.” Sherine Thabet, Egyptian resident