Coinciding with the International Day of Happiness, the Department of Community Development (DCD) confirmed that the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has scored 7.72 points in the happiness index according to recent statistics released after conducting the first cycle of the Quality of Life Questionnaire, which includes better life indicators and subjective well-being and happiness indicators from countries around the world, and based on topics identified by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD), as well as an analysis of financial living conditions and quality of life.
Points are calculated from 1 to 10 taking into account the factors related to overall life satisfaction, and the average happiness score in Abu Dhabi. This favorable score has been achieved due to Abu Dhabi’s keenness to provide all means of happiness, prosperity and social welfare to everyone who calls Abu Dhabi home, in addition to promoting positive lifestyles, in line with DCD’s vision to provide a dignified life for all, and a decent standard of living for every member of the community.
The happiness index aims to analyze data more objectively by assessing the quality of life in comparison to countries around the world. The analysis includes data related to the individual’s overall health status, education, income and social conditions. Overall life satisfaction is measured as part of the subjective well-being indicator by taking into account individual’s feelings regarding their life. The global average score is 6.5 points, which indicates that Abu Dhabi has exceeded the average scoring higher than a number of countries with a score of 7.5 points, such as Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. The analysis included the most common categories, namely: The elderly, workers, females, youth, domestic workers, and people of determination.
The results showed that people of determination had the lowest happiness scores with an average of 6.6 out of 10 , and therefore the Department of Community Development took the initiative to work on a number of projects, perhaps the most important of which is the comprehensive strategy for people of determination in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in collaboration with more than 12 relevant entities taking into account the consultation of people of determination. The strategy is expected to be announced during the upcoming period of this year.
The Department has launched the Quality of Life Questionnaire in its second cycle, which aims to measure key performance indicators at the level of the social services sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The questionnaire also aims to monitor the quality of life and improve living conditions across a range of areas. This second cycle is currently witnessing an increase in the number of questionnaire participants by 55%. The questionnaire will review issues of social importance, such as the intervention of policymakers, the differences in socio-economic welfare among different members of society. It also aims to measure the level of awareness among members of the community regarding certain social issues, and determine the needs and desires of the community with regard to social welfare services.