The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is making remarkable strides in enhancing the happiness of its stakeholders, rooted in a mission to provide experiences and services that distinguish its leadership in the sector. With a solid commitment to improving the quality of life in the UAE, DEWA is paving the way for innovative community initiatives.
In 2024, DEWA recorded an impressive 98.6% in the happiness index as measured by the Dubai government, overseen by the Dubai Digital Authority. This remarkable statistic is backed by a satisfaction survey revealing a 97.01% happiness rate among DEWA customers, illustrating a significant rise in positive experiences with the utility provider. Employees of DEWA also reported a commendable 90% satisfaction rate, demonstrating the authority's commitment to its workforce.
Notable initiatives contributing to this success include a focus on community involvement; DEWA's community initiatives garnered a 95% happiness rate in 2024, a significant increase from 82% in 2013. The satisfaction levels of DEWA’s partners and governmental entities were also exemplary, standing at 95.15% and 96.07%, respectively, while suppliers reported a happiness increase of 2.61% over the previous year, reaching 93.39%.
Ali Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, DEWA’s CEO, explains the authority's commitment by stating, "We work according to the directives of our wise leadership to make happiness a way of life in the UAE." This commitment is particularly evident as DEWA celebrates the Year of Community by increasing efforts to align its services with community happiness, maintain high standards of quality, availability, reliability, and sustainability, and fulfill its responsibilities to all stakeholders.
Much emphasis is also placed on employee happiness, which DEWA prioritizes through advanced and innovative digital services accessible 24/7. The authority seeks to maintain a positive work environment that nurtures employees' creativity and skills. Initiatives supporting the psychological and social stability of employees further exemplify DEWA's dedication to its workforce.
Over the past decade, DEWA launched an impressive 465 local and global community initiatives through strategic partnerships, accumulating 249,843 volunteer hours contributed by employees. This constant endeavor supports DEWA's goal to integrate and empower people of determination, as demonstrated by a 100% satisfaction rating among this group for the third consecutive year.
Turning to wider regional measures of happiness, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has made notable advancements while competing in the Global Happiness Index, an annual report released by the United Nations that discusses well-being across various dimensions. The report takes into account factors such as social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, and levels of corruption.
Saudi Arabia has shown remarkable improvement in its ranking from 30th in 2023 to 28th globally in 2024, placing third in the Arab world according to the latest happiness report covering 143 countries. This upward trend highlights the robust framework of social support and governance established within the kingdom.
This year, the Saudi happiness score reached an impressive 82%, while its elderly citizens, defined as those aged 60 and above, ranked 27th globally, also securing the title of the third happiest demographic in the Arab region.
The continuous development and initiatives under the Kingdom’s ‘Quality of Life’ program, introduced in 2018 as part of the Vision 2030 reform plan, add substantial quality to life for the people. Saudi Arabia improved significantly in several indices, moving from 44th to 43rd globally in the Social Support Index and making an impressive climb of 13 places in the Generosity Index.
According to a report from "Expat Insider 2024", the Kingdom ranks second in the world for the quality of life for expatriates. Approximately 55% of the workforce perceived the job market positively, much higher than the global average of 41%. Furthermore, 75% of expatriates reported that their move to Saudi Arabia drastically improved their career prospects, exceeding the global average of 56%.
From 2016 to 2024, Saudi Arabia’s positions in the happiness ranking show significant progress: 37th (2016), 33rd (2017), 28th (2018), 27th (2019), 21st (2020), 26th (2021), 25th (2022), 30th (2023), and 28th in 2024. This momentum underlines the effectiveness of government strategies aimed at enhancing the citizens' happiness and overall quality of life.
As both regions promote happiness as a cornerstone of their governance and organizational strategy, the improvements in happiness metrics and the commitment to fostering a supportive, innovative, and community-centered environment stand as testaments to the successful vision these authorities uphold. This trajectory not only enhances the experiences of their immediate stakeholders but can serve as a benchmark for similar initiatives globally in pursuing well-being and satisfaction at the grassroots level.
