Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution probes 'Happiness Executive' baby case

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Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution probes Happiness Executive baby case

Abu Dhabi - The infant was featured in a video made for the General Civil Aviation Authority.

By Wam

Published: Thu 26 Apr 2018, 3:49 PM

Last updated: Fri 27 Apr 2018, 3:56 AM

The Public Prosecution Office of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, ADJD, summoned today a government official to clarify the issue of appointing a less than eight-month old baby boy to a, 'Happiness Executive' role.
The general prosecution said in a statement that the footage, which went viral on the social media, indicates that the baby has been appointed in an 'entertainment' position and it sees the need to, "investigate the case with the concerned authority."
The tweet reads, "Abu Dhabi's public prosecution office has called in a government official to clarify what has been known as the issue of appointing a child to a government office.
"This is per its responsibilities as a protector of children's rights."

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- ????? ??????-?????? (@ADJD_Official) April 25, 2018

The video features an 8-month-old infant by the name of Mohammad Al Hashimi, named "GCAA's Chief Happiness Executive" and "Youngest Employee in the World".
The video features the baby in various office areas, strolling around in his bare feet in the lobby, shaking hands with the director general, and seated at a mini desk with planes and rubber duckies.

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In a press statement featured on the news site 24, the public prosecution stated: "The job or role which the child has been assigned is one of entertainment, and we have requested a clarification from the concerned parties regarding the matter."
The GCAA has since retracted the video in question from its official site. They have also denied allegations of hiring the infant.
Saif Mohammad Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, stated: "The authority apologises for causing any confusion or misunderstanding regarding the video which was recently published featuring a child at its offices."
"It affirms that the video featured an activity which was a part of the authority's nursery that allows mothers and children to experience some delight while at work."
The authority abides by all the UAE's children's rights laws, he said, adding: "There is no truth to the rumor that the child has been hired."