DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Saturday attended the events of the Inaugural Happiness Journey, which included the Happiness Walk from the Dubai Water Canal to the Boxpark and back.
The event was held as part of the UAE’s celebrations to mark the International Day of Happiness on 20th March.
While accompanied by Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, and Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness, as well as other senior officials, Sheikh Mohammed toured the educational and cultural activities that attracted families and children from different nationalities and cultures.
Sheikh Mohammed also attended part of a lecture by Dr. Robert Waldinger, Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development at Harvard University, who revealed the results of the university’s 75-year study on human happiness.
Ohood Al Roumi explained to Sheikh Mohammed the objectives of the event that, she said, focusses on values of happiness such as mindfulness, positivity, gratitude, giving and good healthy relationships with the people, said Wam.
Sheikh Mohammed said that he was glad to see such a diverse combination of people from various cultural backgrounds attending the event, which was organised for the first time in the region.
”Happiness is a human value that the UAE leadership is striving to publicise and promote, as a lifestyle for every member of the community,” His Highness stated.
”I am happy to see children with their families and an audience from different ages and cultures, joyfully interacting in the event,” he added.
– By Sheena Amos