The UAE has ranked 8th on an index that measures countries' positive effect on the world and their ability to prepare its young people for future challenges.
The Positivity Index of Nations is an annual global report published by the Positive Economy Institute since 2013.
This year, the UAE was included as a non-OECD country for the first time and outperformed 27 of the 34 OECD member countries listed, including the UK, US, France and Australia. Iceland came out on top with other Scandinavian countries also making the top 10. The UK just missed out, ranking 11th and no other Arab countries were listed among the 30 nations listed.
The index assesses countries on their positive effect regionally and globally and their efforts to anticipate future opportunities and challenges in vital sectors.
The UAE appears to have ranked highly because of its focus on empowering young people, building their capabilities and preparing them for the future.
The index tests countries through three main dimensions that are measured using 30 indicators.
The first dimension, "Educate and Finance Future Generations" tests positive finance, positive education and positive solidarity. The second dimension, "Preparing Adequate Infrastructure for Future Generations" tests positive resources and positive connections. While the third dimension "Building a Consensus for Future Generations" covers indicators of positive governance, positive dynamics, positive inclusion and positive participation.
Headed by French economist Jacques Attali, the Positive Economy Institute was established in 1998 with the aim of building a better world for future generations by encouraging international commitment to developing a sustainable economy.
The top 10 countries on the Positivity Index:
1. Iceland
2. Sweden
3. Norway
4. Denmark
5. Netherlands
6. Finland
7. Switzerland
8. UAE
9. New Zealand
10. Germany
The five pillars of Islam
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE%20v%20West%20Indies
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The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: eight-speed PDK
Power: 630bhp
Torque: 820Nm
Price: Dh683,200
On sale: now
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
It’ll be summer in the city as car show tries to move with the times
If 2008 was the year that rocked Detroit, 2019 will be when Motor City gives its annual car extravaganza a revamp that aims to move with the times.
A major change is that this week's North American International Auto Show will be the last to be held in January, after which the event will switch to June.
The new date, organisers said, will allow exhibitors to move vehicles and activities outside the Cobo Center's halls and into other city venues, unencumbered by cold January weather, exemplified this week by snow and ice.
In a market in which trends can easily be outpaced beyond one event, the need to do so was probably exacerbated by the decision of Germany's big three carmakers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – to skip the auto show this year.
The show has long allowed car enthusiasts to sit behind the wheel of the latest models at the start of the calendar year but a more fluid car market in an online world has made sales less seasonal.
Similarly, everyday technology seems to be catching up on those whose job it is to get behind microphones and try and tempt the visiting public into making a purchase.
Although sparkly announcers clasp iPads and outline the technical gadgetry hidden beneath bonnets, people's obsession with their own smartphones often appeared to offer a more tempting distraction.
“It's maddening,” said one such worker at Nissan's stand.
The absence of some pizzazz, as well as top marques, was also noted by patrons.
“It looks like there are a few less cars this year,” one annual attendee said of this year's exhibitors.
“I can't help but think it's easier to stay at home than to brave the snow and come here.”
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
