Unlocking the mystery and potential of human happiness

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) made headlines last year when they were ranked as the 36th and 28th happiest countries on earth respectively, based in the most recent World Happiness Report, a global survey measuring contentment in 157 countries. The survey reflects a global trend where measurement of happiness in society and at the workplace is being treated as serious science and as a criteria for determining government policy. But how important is happiness really? Radhika Punshi and David Jones of The Talent Enterprise take a closer look.

Happy revellers on Qatar National Day. Ostensibly thanks to the inclusion of non-Arabic speakers for the first time in the five years it has been published Qatar slipped eight places from 2015 in the 2016 World Happiness Report – which included metrics such as life expectancy, social support and perceptions of corruption, among others – the country still finished up at 36th  of 157 countries. (Image Getty Images)

The pursuit of scientifically studying happiness and wellbeing is now rapidly expanding into an inter-disciplinary approach and happiness continues to demonstrate a tangible and compelling impact on our performance, productivity and engagement. In the 2016 World Happiness Report, the UAE was ranked ‘happier’ than France, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan, while Qatar preceded Spain, Kuwait, Italy and Japan. In the region, in terms of influencing good governance, a content populace is the prime focus of the Dubai Plan 2021, where the first objective is achieving people’s happiness. To reaffirm its commitment, the UAE also appointed its first ‘minister of happiness’ Ohood Al Roumi as part of its new cabinet.

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