Dubai: A poll conducted in coordination with research firm Gallup in Dubai showed that 81 per cent of the respondents feel at ease, compared to the international standard of 71 per cent.

The figures were part of a presentation by Abdullah Al Shaibani, secretary-general of the Dubai Executive Council, during the first Dubai Police Happiness forum, which was held on Monday.

The forum was attended by Shaikh Mansour Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Uhoud Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness, and Lieutenant General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Dubai Police Chief, among other officials.

Al Shaibani said the survey asked more than 2,500 respondents four questions — Did you feel at ease (comfortable) yesterday? Were you treated with respect yesterday? Did you smile yesterday? And did you learn something useful yesterday?

Eighty-one per cent of the respondents answered yes to the feeling at ease, compared to the 71 per cent global average; 92 per cent of respondents said they were treated with respect, as opposed to the 85 per cent global average; 82 per cent of respondents said they smiled the day before, compared with the 72 per cent global average and, finally, 63 per cent said they learnt a new thing yesterday, more than the 51 per cent globally.

Al Shaibani said the happiness of its people was always and remains one of the UAE’s main goals.

Al Roumi also emphasised the importance of happiness in her opening speech, adding, “Government institutions today have to change culture and policies to keep up with the trend of making their employees and customers happy.”

The forum had many sessions, all focused on the theme of happiness in the workplace and ensuring people’s happiness.