The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quite serious about making its citizens happy. The oil-rich home of glitz is really keen on cementing its position as the Arab world’s most eye-catching nation. UAE plans to appoint new ministers of “tolerance” and “happiness” as part of a major government shake-up.
Soon the country will have a “Minister of State for Happiness” whose only job will be to “create social good and satisfaction” in line with government policies whereas the post of “Minister of State for Tolerance” will “promote tolerance as a fundamental value in the UAE.”

The announcement was made on Monday night, by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who is also the ruler of Dubai, as part of the largest structural change in the UAE’s history.
A new post, Minister of State for Happiness, will align and drive government policy to create social good and satisfaction.#WorldGovSummit
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 8, 2016
The post of Minister of State for Tolerance has been created to promote tolerance as a fundamental value in UAE society#WorldGovSummit
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 8, 2016
The new government will have fewer ministries with more ministers who are able to manage the changing and dynamic strategic portfolios which will be set in motion:
The Council will be led by a 22 year-old female Minister of State. The energy of youth will fuel our government in future#WorldGovSummit
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 8, 2016
The newly created UAE Youth National Council will include an elite group of young men and women to advise on youth affairs#WorldGovSummit
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 8, 2016
But not everyone was happy with the announcement:
@HHShkMohd for a multicultural society like UAE, such position was indeed needed. I salute the vision of the leader!
— Abhilasha Singh (@Abhisingh1967) February 9, 2016
@HHShkMohd Minister must have Low Blood pressure 😋😋😋😋
— Iqbal Sherazi (@SyedSherazi110) February 10, 2016
@HHShkMohd @Salig08 “State for Happiness”REALLY?In a world at war against humanity,now this nonsense!Sad times indeed ahead.
— Sherinswan (@Sherinswan) February 9, 2016
@HHShkMohd Taking a page out of Chavez’s book.
— Douglas Joseph (@mycatspike_87) February 9, 2016
.@HHShkMohd there is no happiness with despotic rulers, espc those who bomb happy #Yemen like you. @cnnbrk @BBCWorld @YemenPostNews @Elaph
— Ali AlAhmed (@AliAlAhmed_en) February 9, 2016