Dubai Land Department has announced 'Happy Cities' as the theme for the FIABCI (The International Real Estate Federation) World Congress 2018, which will take place in Dubai.

The six-day event, which will be hosted by the emirate from 27^th April to 2^nd May, will focus on how to establish 'Happy Cities' and is expected to attract more than 1,500 international real estate experts and delegates from 70 countries. During the event, participants will explore the future of cities, and exchange their views and expertise. 

The theme of Happy Cities will build upon four main pillars: planning, governance & policy, citizen engagement, and new marketplaces and their intrinsic relationship with the real estate community.

His Excellency Sultan Butti bin Mejren, Director General of DLD, said: "We chose 'Happy Cities' as the theme for the FIABCI Congress 2018 as it captures the directives of our wise leadership to spread happiness across all segments of society. We hope that all participants and attendees will uphold this positive spirit by generating and adopting comprehensive strategies and solutions to help the future cities of the world make their inhabitants as happy as possible."

The theme of the conference was inspired by the vision of the UAE's leaders to spread happiness among the people, and supports the directives issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai), to encourage countries across the world to adopt happiness as a measure of development as the UAE does. The Dubai Plan 2021 focuses on four key elements: confident and ambitious people who are committed to their heritage, a strong union of common destiny, a competitive economy led by knowledgeable and creative Emiratis, and a high quality of life in a sustainable environment.

The emirate is pushing its plans to become the ‘world’s happiest city’, which aims to provide fast and convenient government services that ensure the happiness of all residents by offering the best transport, communications, infrastructure, electricity, economic and urban planning services. 

Bin Mejren concluded: "The FIABCI World Congress 2018 will be a great opportunity for delegates from countries across the world to learn about building cities that exceed people's expectations, not only be addressing their problems but also by formulating innovative solutions. Dubai is a pioneering model of this concept and has set a benchmark for the rest of the world when it comes to happiness."

Sessions will be open to the public from 30^th April to 2^nd May at Dubai World Trade Centre. Conference attendees can find further details about 'FIABCI Dubai 2018' by visiting the official website.

See also:

Which Dubai neighbourhood has the happiest residents?

The new simplified mortgage registration process in Dubai

Dubai’s status as a global hub continues to strengthen