UAE: Abu Dhabi scores high in happiness index; men happier than women

Abu Dhabi - Survey of residents and citizens shows people happy in the Capital.

Ashwani Kumar

Published: Sat 20 Mar 2021, 8:09 PM

Amid the pandemic, the UAE Capital has been able to provide the highest level of happiness and quality of life for its residents, a new report has revealed.

Abu Dhabi has scored 7.17 out of 10 in the happiness index, which is considered a high score according to the European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS), said Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman, the Department of Community Development (DCD) while announcing the findings of ‘Quality of Life’ 2020 annual report.

Marking the International Day of Happiness, Dr Al Khaili noted the DCD has strived to identify the requirements of the people through regular surveys and questionnaires.

The new report - through a detailed questionnaire - measured the happiness index among different age groups of the society. Accordingly, males (7.2) were found to be happier than females (7.12). Also, citizens (7.33) registered a higher score compared to residents (7.14).

“The report reflects our efforts to meet the aspirations and values of creating a decent standard of living for all community members, as well as promoting quality of social life among citizens and residents of the emirate.”

Dr Al Khaili said the findings of the happiness index varied with age groups, with seniors being the happiest bunch. Teenagers in 15 to 19 age groups (7.55), 30 to 31 years (6.76), between 55 to 59 (7.83) and above 60 years (7.85).

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The questionnaire included the measurement of 14 key indicators: housing, income and wealth, jobs, work-life balance, health, education, security and safety, social relations, community engagement, environment, cultural values, community service, access to information and the subjective well-being index. People recorded high indicators of satisfaction with household income, followed by job satisfaction and education, satisfaction with family life, and the sense of safety and protection.

“Improving the community standards of living and instilling happiness in each and every person are among the Department’s top priorities. Thanks to the visions of our wise leadership, we are working to be the happiest people in the world.” Last year, a separate World Happiness Report ranked Abu Dhabi and Dubai as the happiest cities in the Arab region.

“The Department is striving to further develop programmes, initiatives, policies and strategies that are aligned with the best international standards in order to achieve happiness and quality of life and fulfil its responsibilities towards the social sector.”