Analyse
The statement aligns precisely with official records from the **Dubai Media Office** and **Prime Minister’s Office (UAE)**, which documented the launch of the **Dubai Happiness Agenda** in February 2016. The initiative included 82 projects and 1,000+ programs tied to quantifiable happiness indicators, such as the **Dubai Happiness Index**, which tracks resident satisfaction across services. Al Maktoum’s framing of happiness as a 'metric' and 'policy driver' is consistent with his public speeches and the agenda’s **four pillars** (happy people, happy work, happy society, happy future). No credible sources contradict this claim.
Achtergrond
The Dubai Happiness Agenda was part of a broader UAE strategy to prioritize well-being, inspired by global movements like Bhutan’s **Gross National Happiness** index and the UN’s **World Happiness Report**. Dubai’s government later institutionalized happiness metrics in public sector performance evaluations, appointing a **Minister of State for Happiness** (Ohood Al Roumi) in 2016. The initiative reflected Al Maktoum’s emphasis on **data-driven governance** and Dubai’s branding as a futuristic, livable city.
Samenvatting verdict
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum did announce the Dubai Happiness Agenda in 2016 with the explicit goal of making Dubai the 'happiest city on Earth,' framing happiness as a measurable policy metric and driver of governance.