Many Emiratis expressed their satisfaction when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the new federal Cabinet. Particularly popular were the decisions to create new posts, including a Minister of State for Tolerance, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, and a Minister of State for Happiness, Ohood Al Roumi.
Happiness, despite being difficult to define and measure, has always been a key part of political philosophy. It occupied the minds of the ancient Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle, and the concept is enshrined in the American constitution, which protects the pursuit of happiness as an unalienable right. While that right is protected, the US doesn’t define or promote happiness through its government.
By creating the post of Minister of State for Happiness, the UAE is attempting to redefine the scope of government. While we are yet to see how the new minister will go about her task of promoting happiness across the government and society, the announcement itself is historic.
With posts for happiness and tolerance, the leaders are sending a clear message that the well-being of citizens is a priority and that mutual understanding between various communities is an essential virtue that will be protected and promoted. Last year, tolerance was enshrined in a law that criminalises discrimination on the grounds of religion, caste, creed, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin.
The Founder, Sheikh Zayed, said that, from the formation of the UAE, “we realised that the union is the means to our strength and progress, and the way to make people happy [and] provide a decent life for them and future generations”. Sheikh Mohammed reiterated this on Twitter, saying that “ensuring the happiness of citizens has always been a priority in the framework of the Founding Fathers”. To their credit, this is already being realised. According to the United Nations’ annual world happiness report, the UAE ranks first among Arab countries.
We know that the Government is doing what it can to ensure the well-being of its citizens. The leadership has set the direction of travel for a long time, leading us to this place. By embracing happiness and tolerance at the highest level, they are redefining what government can do – for the better.
