DUBAI // Sixty Emiratis will be trained as Dubai’s pioneers of happiness and positive thinking, working in federal and local government.
Ohood Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness, on Saturday said that the recruits would have five months of intensive training at the Greater Good Science Centre at the University of California – Berkeley, and Oxford University’s Mindfulness Centre.
Starting in September, the Happiness and Positivity Training Programme will introduce the candidates to the “science of happiness”.
The programme was designed to give them world-class knowledge and practical skills, allowing them to launch initiatives promoting happiness and positivity as a culture and an approach to government work.
The programme will include lectures, seminars and visits to see the best global practices and experiences in the field, and computer applications and workshops.
Ms Al Roumi said that the talented young nationals were chosen from 200 candidates under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
“The principles of happiness and positivity are gaining traction around the world as a response to the rapid changes we’re witnessing, and stemming from a new understanding of government work as a means to instil happiness in society,” she said.
“The UAE is the first country in the world to create the position of chief happiness and positivity officers, and the first to develop a training programme of this kind.”
The 60 successful candidates will design and introduce projects promoting happiness and positivity in government departments and society.
The “chief happiness and positivity officers” will play a major role in coordinating the government’s efforts towards initiatives aimed at creating a happier society.
They will coordinate between the happiness councils established within each ministry and government department.
The 60 were chosen based on their qualifications and professionalism, positivity, energy and ability to influence people and spread happiness. They were tested and interviewed to assess their leadership skills and their ability to implement initiatives.
Ms Al Roumi thanked government departments for their cooperation and swift introduction of the initiative, which is intended to make the UAE one of the happiest countries.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
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Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
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