March 21, 2025
2 mins read

UAE tops UK, US in happiness index 

The UAE remains the happiest country in the Gulf, being the only nation in the region to feature in the top 25. Kuwait ranked 30th, Saudi Arabia 32nd, Oman 52nd, and Bahrain 59th…reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ranked 21st in the annual UN-sponsored World Happiness Report, placing it ahead of the United States (24th), the United Kingdom (23rd), and Germany (22nd). The rankings, released on International Day of Happiness, highlight the UAE’s strong commitment to well-being and quality of life. 

The UAE remains the happiest country in the Gulf, being the only nation in the region to feature in the top 25. Kuwait ranked 30th, Saudi Arabia 32nd, Oman 52nd, and Bahrain 59th. The report, compiled by Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, assesses income, social support, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption levels, based on three-year averages of people’s self-reported life satisfaction. 

Among South Asian countries, Pakistan ranked 109th, ahead of India at 118th, while Afghanistan placed last at 147th. In the Arab world, Algeria ranked 84th, followed by Iraq at 101st, Palestine at 108th, Morocco at 112th, Tunisia at 113th, Jordan at 128th, Egypt at 135th, Yemen at 140th, and Lebanon at 145th. 

Nordic countries maintained their lead, with Finland ranking first for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Denmark and Iceland. Meanwhile, the US recorded its lowest-ever ranking at 24th, with analysts attributing the decline to weakened social connections. Experts noted that dining alone in the US has risen by 53% over the last two decades, signalling a decline in communal experiences. 

UAE’s Vision for Happiness 

The UAE has long prioritised happiness as a national goal. In 2016, it introduced the position of Minister of State for Happiness, later expanding it to cover well-being and quality of life. Since then, multiple government initiatives have focused on enhancing community happiness. 

The UAE celebrates International Day of Happiness every March 20, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing residents’ well-being. This year’s ranking aligns with the “Year of Community”, an initiative aimed at fostering social solidarity, happiness, and stability. 

The 2025 World Happiness Report emphasised that acts of generosity and trust in others are greater indicators of happiness than financial wealth, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to a cohesive and supportive society. 

Previous Story

Women, Youth Get a Business Boost from IBPC 

Next Story

Book Review: Chhath: Worshipping the Sun, Celebrating Nature by Ekisha Singh

Latest from -Top News

‘Op Sindoor’ Team Wraps Up Saudi Visit

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism….reports Asian Lite News Riyadh, May 30 (IANS) The Indian all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant

Visa Interview Pause Nearing End, Says US

India is the source country for the largest group of international students in the US and Bruce’s comments will be closely followed there….reports Asian Lite News The United States said the pause

No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEA’s strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by India’s decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India….reports

BNP ramps up poll demand

Chief Adviser Yunus had earlier promised elections in December 2025, but the timeline has since been pushed back first to February 2026 and then to June 2026, fuelling suspicion and dissatisfaction among

Saudi backs India’s strategic outreach

In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials. A high-profile Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Kwatra attends meeting in Paris on India-France-UAE cooperation

Kwatra, who is on an official visit to France, also

‘UAE Industry 4.0’ to place UAE at centre of global transformation

The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology signed MoUs with