On the occasion of the International Day of Happiness, Abdulla Bin Mohamed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), has affirmed that the UAE's leadership continues to work towards maintaining the health and wellbeing of all members of the community, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the UAE's leadership has been working tirelessly to ensure that all citizens and residents remain happy and reassured since the onset of the pandemic in the country.

Al Hamed issued a statement in which he recalled the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces "Don’t be concerned" that helped them in fighting the battle against the pandemic both at home and beyond.

Hailing the wise leadership of the UAE, Al Hamed said that they have instilled the values of happiness among all members of the community.

"We are blessed with a wise leadership that prioritizes our happiness above all else. We are proud to be under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who have instilled the values of happiness amongst all those who call the UAE home, both citizens and residents from around the world," he added.

Al Hamed further explained that the late Sheikh Zayed established the UAE's happiness journey since the formation of the country. He remembered late Sheikh Zayed as an extraordinary leader who believed that his wealth lies in the happiness of the people of the UAE community.

"To provide them with true happiness, he built a country that inspires the world with its countless achievements across many fields," Al Hamed noted.

In conclusion, he asserted that happiness plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of the communities. He stressed the UAE authorities' keenness on putting smiles on the faces of patients and medical staff in the healthcare sector who are continuously working towards achieving the leadership's vision for a healthier Abu Dhabi.

On July 12, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared March 20 as the International Day of Happiness, to acknowledge the importance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings across the world and the relevance of their recognition in public policy objectives. The International Day of Happiness was celebrated for the first time in 2013 with the objective of creating a happier world. The UAE is celebrating the 2021 International Day of Happiness under the theme "Happiness For All, Together".

WAM