Dubai in the United Arab Emirates already is a
bustling cosmopolitan hub, complete with awe-inspiring attractions,
luxury amenities and a good deal of urban engineering and social planning that
leads to quality of life for residents and visitors; and now the
Smart Dubai Office (SDO) is literally working toward the goal of a
technical utopia with something called the Happiness Agenda.
Although there aren’t a lot of specifics in some of the
communications put out about this effort, the SDO’s Happiness Agenda seems to
be aimed at transforming utilities, transportation systems and other
infrastructures to boost the happiness of people living in the
city.
SDO officials recently talked about “supporting
Dubai’s transformation into a smart city through the adoption of a globally
unique, science-based approach that puts the happiness of the public at the
forefront of its priorities.” The group says the plan is “aimed at positioning
Dubai as the smartest and happiest city in the world” and that it aspires to
“create the opportunities that will lead to happiness across the city by
allowing Dubai inhabitants the ability to access services in a 24/7 easy,
efficient, convenient and seamless way, thereby creating a high level of
satisfaction and happiness in their life.”
Officials discuss strategic categories, titled Discover, Measure,
Change and Educate, that help to focus on fostering a “sustainable level of
happiness.”
“We are always guided by the approach of His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE
and ruler of Dubai, to boost Dubai’s competitiveness and support the goals of
its strategic plan to ensure the provision of the highest rates of happiness
and well-being for Dubai inhabitants,” Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, said in a press
statement.
So what’s behind these groundbreaking initiatives?
Mike Toney has a few ideas. Toney holds a master’s degree in international business, focusing on the Middle East, and is a military veteran
with four tours to Iraq and Afghanistan under his belt. He also authored “Liberty of Nations: 10 Ways to Make America
More Safe and Secure”.
“Dubai is one of the most progressive, tolerant, and
tourist-friendly nations in the region.” Toney told the Gulf News Journal. “The fact that they’re pursuing this program shows they’re engaged and interested in keeping their citizens, if not ‘happy,’ then at least content
enough to discourage trouble.”
Also, he said, big investments in infrastructure are
practical for Dubai, in an oil-rich country traditionally awash in assets.
“They have a surplus
of cash,” Toney said. “They don’t want to be seen as inactive.”
Also, Toney said, noting the end of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast and renew their commitment to spiritual purity,
the project could also be seen as a manifestation of one of the five pillars of
Islam called zakat or alms-giving.
“It’s a great example of the royal family truly providing zakat
to its citizens.” Toney said.
