Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum launches 'Ministry of Finance, Happiest Ministry’s initiative

 H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, MoF, has launched an internal initiative titled, ‘Ministry of Finance, Happiest Ministry,’ which includes a number of programmes in line with the country’s strategy to achieve people’s happiness, enhance the satisfaction levels of the Ministry’s employees, and develop services to boost customers’ happiness.

The launch coincides with 'International Day of Happiness,' which is marked today, March 20th, and following the government’s directives to enhance the nations’ status in the happiness index.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan extended his congratulations to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai on the UAE’s achievements under their guidance, specifically with the establishment of Ministry of Happiness and the UAE’s top ranking among countries from the MENA region in the "World Happiness Report 2016".

The initiative comprised a number of criteria designed to measure the level of happiness at the Ministry, such as providing a positive work environment, adopting change and development policies as well as enhancing transparency and clarifying regulations and procedures.

MoF is also keen to achieve performance standards and motivation of employees, increase their sense of loyalty and satisfaction in their work, as well as promote the importance of building strong relations across all levels and create direct communication with senior management.

Sheikh Hamdan stressed MoF's commitment to the UAE federal government’s strategy which believes that people’s happiness stems from the level of satisfaction of government services. He said, "Our main aim behind ‘Ministry of Finance, Happiest Ministry’ initiative is to spread happiness among the local community by increasing happiness levels among employees and strengthening loyalty to their work. This is reflected through the provision of the best services to the public, customers and partners on a local, regional and international level."

The UAE has recently topped the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region countries in the "World Happiness Report 2016" issued by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Earth Institute at Columbia University. The UAE topped France, Thailand, Spain and Japan, achieving 6.596 points in the index which consists of a number of elements that includes the GDP per capita, social support, average age, social freedom and social generosity rates.

Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said, "The launch of the initiative by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum coincides with the UN's International Day of Happiness. This day aims to highlight the importance of achieving happiness through defining general policy frameworks, in order to achieve sustainable development and provide safety and welfare for individuals as well the environment."

Al Tayer stressed MoF’s commitment in achieving the vision and aspirations of the UAE government which were announced with the new structure of the UAE cabinet and the changes of the Federal government.

"Creating a Ministry with a main objective to achieve happiness and the well-being of the community, as well as to measure the government performance system based on the happiness indicator is considered a quantum leap for countries that seek to achieve high growth rates, and high levels of happiness among individuals," he explained.