ABSTRACT
In the UAE, wellbeing is not only a top policy priority but also a culture that is integrated across all sectors and domains. This chapter showcases wellbeing from a UAE policy-making perspective, highlighting how the concept has progressed from a set of initiatives to a holistic, well-informed, and institutionalized vision and strategy. A mixed methods approach, entailing policy document analysis and semi-structured interviews, was carried out to generate rich insights into the UAE’s National Wellbeing Strategy 2031, its levels, dimensions, strategic objectives, strategic directions, supporting initiatives, and strategic enablers. This study found that the UAE National Wellbeing Strategy 2031 represents a dynamic, adaptive, evidence-based strategy that reflects a critical balance between top-down and bottom-up approaches. The various elements and constituents of the strategy are constructively aligned to serve its dynamic and adaptive nature. The study also highlighted a number of initiatives, best practices, enablers, and exemplars that have been involved in the UAE’s journey to promote wellbeing and inform public policy in this field at a regional and a global level.
