Social Systems in Modern Emirati Society

Modern Emirati Society

  • Foundation

    • The modern Emirati system began with the union of the 7 Emirates and the discovery of oil.

Industrial Environment and Change

  • Manifestations of Change

    1. Emergence of large cities.

    2. Mass migration from Gulf, Arab, Islamic, and foreign countries, leading to diverse non-Arab communities.

    3. Establishment of commercial markets.

    4. Increase in women's participation in the workforce.

    5. Growth of cultural and community development institutions, enhancing public awareness.

    6. Expansion of educational institutions.

    7. Improvement in people's income and living standards.

Social Development and Services Post-Federation

  • Welfare and Care State

    • UAE adopted the concept of a welfare state providing necessities in income, education, healthcare, food, and housing.

    • Sheikh Zayed emphasized that “Man is the most precious of what we own.”

    • The social affairs sector is crucial in this development, reflecting a commitment to societal well-being.

Health Services Development After Union

  • Achievements in Healthcare

    • Ranked among the top three health cities in the Arab world as of 1996 by WHO.

    • UAE has the eighth-best healthcare for children in the Arab world.

    • Reduced infant mortality rate to 19 per 1,000 births, significantly lower than the global average of 89.

    • Successfully eradicated polio.

    • Advanced capacity for complex surgeries available in UAE hospitals.

    • Healthcare statistic: one doctor for every 1.8 beds in hospitals.

    • Government hospitals: 40; Health centers: over 1000.

Housing and Living Standards

  • Impact of Housing Services

    • Material improvements in housing conditions leading to higher living standards.

    • Majority of homes equipped with modern appliances (e.g., refrigerators, microwaves) and technology (e.g., computers, gaming consoles).

    • Enhanced leisure time enabling citizens to engage in hobbies and pursue postgraduate education.

Happiness Initiatives in the UAE

  • Public Satisfaction

    • In 2016, public satisfaction with government services was at 64% according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

    • UAE appointed a Minister of State for Happiness for promoting a joyful society.

  • Goals and Statements

    • Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated the aim is to create hope, life, and happiness for everyone.

    • Encouragement for love and recreation among people of all backgrounds in Dubai.

Happiness as a Core Value

Structural Initiatives

  • Established the Dubai Happiness Agenda to measure and improve happiness.

  • Implemented the National Program for Happiness and Wellbeing for enhancing employee satisfaction and healthy lifestyles.

  • UAE retains first place among Arab nations in global happiness rankings for six consecutive years as per the World Happiness Report 2020.

  • Cities Happiness Index ranks Abu Dhabi and Dubai as the happiest in the Arab region.

Influence of Happiness on Various Sectors

  • Areas of Impact

    1. Enhances family quality of life.

    2. Improves employee well-being via flexible working hours.

    3. Enhances customer experiences in government sectors and banks.

    4. Streamlines services with online options to minimize queues.

    5. Ensures prioritization of elderly individuals in queues, especially in healthcare.