The United Arab Emirates has become a haven for happiness and decent living, thanks to the wise leadership's approach for tolerance and amity, said H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman.

Sheikh Humaid made the remarks today while opening the 8th Ajman International Urban Planning Conference, which is organised by the Municipality and Planning Department of Ajman under the theme "Towards Happy Cities for Tolerant Citizens".

In attendance were H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, as well as international experts and specialists in urban planning, happiness and tolerance.

Sheikh Humaid said the conference's theme translates the leadership's vision for happiness, well being and positive values as a way of life.

"We have come a long way in empowering individuals to feel happy and eventually, to give back to their community and their country,"he added.

The conference offers evidence and examples to inspire designers, decision-makers and city-dwellers to embrace happy design and empower them to take action.

The conference also discusses how to bring happiness into our own urban work and the need for a new framework for incorporating wellbeing principles into design, policy.