People are the most valuable assets in any institution: their capabilities can help them accomplish major achievements if they are provided with the right resources and support. Each individual in the work environment has a different perspective to contribute based on their particular life experiences and skills, enabling them to leave a positive impression on the work they do.
The UAE is keen to ensure the happiness, prosperity and well-being of Emiratis and residents. Reinforcing this vision, the UAE appointed HE Ohood Al Roumi Minister of State for Happiness in 2016 and approved a National Programme for Happiness and Positivity, which includes a range of policies and services that promote positive lifestyles.
According to the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda, which strives to preserve a cohesive society that is proud of its identity and sense of belonging, the UAE government aims to see the country rank among the top five on the World Happiness Index by 2021. The Index measures individuals’ assessments of living standards and satisfaction through a survey based on specific indicators, such as GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, freedom of choice, generosity, social support and absence of corruption.
It is within this framework that the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) established its Happiness and Innovation Committee on 30 January 2019, by virtue of Ministerial Decree No 60-1 of 2019, to enforce these fundamental constituents. To that end, the Committee’s vision aims to establish MoFAIC as a pioneering institution in innovation and creativity in the Middle East, and to make the MOFAIC work environment the happiest there is.
Mohamed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Head of MoFAIC’s Happiness and Innovation Committee said: "The Happiness and Innovation Committee consists of members from various departments and sectors and draws on the MoFAIC strategy. We are proud of the projects and initiatives undertaken in 2019. Our upcoming projects and initiatives are greater; they will not only be planned and carried out by employees from the Ministry’s headquarters, but will rather involve Ministry employees working in missions overseas and those working in other emirates."
The Committee’s objectives include increasing the number of ideas implemented in the fields of happiness and innovation, upscaling innovation indicators for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Government Excellence Award, developing the capabilities of employees specializing in the field of innovation, and increasing happiness levels among MoFAIC employees.
Throughout 2019, MoFAIC witnessed numerous internal initiatives launched by the Happiness and Innovation Committee with the aim of increasing happiness levels among employees: the first MOFAIC innovation strategy was established and MOFAIC employees were involved in a competition to design the Committee's logo.
The Committee organized a number of awareness-raising events on innovation, including a panel discussion entitled “A Diplomat's Experience”, as part of the Innovation Hour Initiative. The discussion hosted Matar Ali Al Mansouri, Deputy Head of Mission in Canberra, who shed light on innovation in diplomacy.
In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Happiness and Innovation Committee held an educational workshop on intellectual property and Takamul services at MoFAIC headquarters. Attended by a number of officials, diplomats and employees, the workshop explained the concept of intellectual ownership and the necessity of protecting it through patent rights, copyrights, trademarks and design rights.
The Committee also held its first brainstorming session on innovation with the UAE Embassy in Riyadh, launched the first Suggestions Guide, launched the Diploma in Innovation and joined an innovation trip to the USA organized by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation.
As for initiatives linked to the social value of happiness, the Committee launched the children's summer program, during which a number of Ministry employees’ children enjoyed two weeks of recreational, educational and creative art events. Other social initiatives included the distribution of Fazaa cards – a special discounts program - to all Ministry employees.
As part of its commitment to strengthen family ties, the Committee informed all Ministry employees of the Back to School Policy. The UAE Cabinet, headed by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, implemented flexible working hours for federal government employees on special occasions and circumstances throughout the academic year, in order to support and boost the role of parents in the educational process and to reinforce familial cohesion within society. The new initiative is part of the Back to School Policy launched by the federal government’s National Program for Happiness and Positivity at the beginning of the academic year. It aims to make life easier for parents working in the federal government, and support government efforts to develop the educational system in the UAE and achieve the goals of UAE Vision 2021 and UAE Centennial 2071.
MoFAIC's Happiness and Innovation Committee also launched a number of health-related initiatives. These include the distribution of height-adjustable desks for a healthier work environment, and the “Grab Something”, in collaboration with the MoFAIC Youth Council, as part of the committee's initiatives to promote happiness and health awareness among employees. “Grab Something” is held on the last Thursday of every month at the main entrances of the Ministry’s headquarters. This initiative supports the first goal of the National Strategy for Well-being, launched by the National Program for Happiness and Positivity in April 2019, which encourages people to adopt an active, healthy lifestyle. It is also in line with the UAE Vision 2021.
A special account for the Happiness and Innovation Committee was added to the electronic archiving system and the Committee was the first to store its documents electronically, in order to archive government innovations.
As part of its future aspirations, the Committee has developed a plan for 2020 to organize the implementation of innovation and happiness ideas, to highlight the roles of Ministry employees and achievements in the fields of innovation and happiness, and to enable and involve them in carrying out their proposed ideas.
