UAE announces ministers for happiness, tolerance

(Vatican Radio) It sounds a bit New Age, but the United Arab Emirates has just appointed state ministers for happiness, tolerance and youth. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the UAE prime minister who is also the ruler of Dubai, announced the new lineup on Wednesday via his official Twitter account. The new institution was established in the context of the broader reorganization of governmental structures created since the Country was established, 44 years ago.

It is apparently part of a move to show the government is offering more than simply providing basic services for its citizens. "Happiness in our nation is not a wish .. but there will be plans, projects and programs and indicators .. and it will be part of the work of all our ministries .. and a part of our way of life," Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

"It is the beginning of a new journey towards new acquisitions, to the benefit of the people", wrote the Prime Minister in a message via his Twitter account. The mission of the new ministry - refer sources consulted by Agenzia Fides - is to ensure the government's policies are aligned to create social good and satisfaction among the country's citizens. For this purpose - added the Prime Minister - the new department "has been created to promote tolerance as a fundamental value in UAE society".

The series of tweets sent out to coincide with the summit did not offer a timeframe for when the plans would be implemented. However, they come amid a push by Sheikh Mohammed, 66, focused on happiness in his emirate, which is known for its futuristic skyscrapers and a liberal disposition. In his tweets on Monday night, Sheikh Mohammed said that the changes in the federal government came after he consulted Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi's crown prince.

The job went to Ohood Al Roumi, who will continue her existing role as director-general of the prime minister’s office. She was one of seven women named to posts in the new 29-member Cabinet. "The new cabinet focuses on the future, youth, happiness, developing education and combating climate change," tweeted the 66-year-old prime minister, who is also the Emirati vice president and ruler of Dubai.

Sheikha Lubna al-Qassimi, the former development and international cooperation minister, was made state minister for tolerance. Twenty-two year old, Western-educated Shama al-Mazroui was made state minister for youth affairs.

The United Arab Emirates, which has one of the highest levels of GDP per capita in the Arab world, is seen as a haven of stability in a region beset by turmoil and where public devotion to the rulers is high and little dissent is tolerated.

It is home to the glitzy emirate of Dubai, which transformed from a desert backwater to a global financial hub, where thousands of Arab expatriates flock to seek professional and entrepreneurial opportunities not available in as much supply in other unstable Arab countries.

"The new lineup is a new stage whose headline is the future ... the youth ... happiness ... developing education ... and dealing with climate change to protect our environment," Sheikh Mohammed said.

On June 12 last year, a Catholic church dedicated to Saint Paul was inaugurated in Mussaffah, suburb of Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State. The day before, the inaugural ceremony was attended by the Minister for Culture, Nahyan bin Mubarak, who in his speech described the opening of the new church as a sign of "religious tolerance" on behalf of national leaders.

On the same occasion, Cardinal Parolin had noticed how the consecration and dedication of a new church also represents "a sign of vitality" of the local church community, and Bishop Paul Hinder, OFM, Apostolic Vicar for South Arabia, expressed gratitude "for the stability and peace that we enjoy in this Country". In UAE there are about 900 thousand Catholics: the community is made up of immigrant workers who mostly come from other Asian Countries, starting from the Philippines and India.

(Source: Reuters, Agenzia Fides, Daijiworld News)