What makes Dubai happy?

We ask local personalities what about the city makes them tick?

HAPPINESS MEANS DIFFERENT things to different people. It's not something that you can easily define or describe but we can all agree that happiness is something that we all strive for. Contagious, uplifting and good for you, happiness can also be found everywhere, from those sentimental moments, to the activities we do or even the little things that might not mean much to anyone else but us. Despite what we think, happiness can be waiting for us just around the corner, in the very city we live in. So, we asked some of Dubai's most well-known personalities all about what keeps them happy in Dubai.

Amy Kitchingman, TV Presenter, former Miss Great Britain, and model.
"Apart from the amazing weather, it is of course the people. What is unique about Dubai compared with other Middle Eastern countries is that it's a melting pot of many nationalities. Without leaving the UAE, I can learn about all the cultures of the world. I also love that we can live inside a harmonious environment where we all support each other whilst respecting the local culture."


Gabriela Miloda Dubai socialite and TV presenter
"Anyone from anywhere can feel at home here. There's such a huge diversity of people from all around the world bringing their cultures and their languages to one city. It is a truly cosmopolitan city! I also love that consequently you can meet really interesting people. I'm so grateful about all the amazing and meaningful friendships I've made here."
 
Karishma Fernandez, Host of Salaam Namaste UAE, Rishety Asia
"Through my TV show, I have met some of the most inspirational individuals in the UAE, who have put the needs and desires of strangers before theirs. They make the world a happier place. Knowing that unconditional love still exists makes me happy! True happiness comes from making another person smile."
 
Ali Al Sayed, Comedian
Happy Place in Dubai
There are far too many to chose from... This city has an amazing mix of people from all over the world, and watching them all come together and share their lives and laugh together makes my day.

Something small that makes you happy
Family is very important for me... Whether it is a walk with my wife, playing with my nephews or the oh so precious quality time with my mother. They all have that instant happiness effect on me.

Happy secret pleasure
I'm a comedian, I love to laugh... If I could find a way to laugh in my sleep, I will. I think all of us owe it to ourselves to laugh with each other, of course, not at the expense of each other.


Esther Eden, Singer
Happy Place in Dubai
Every time I travel out on a holiday, I come back appreciating something more about Dubai. We are truly blessed here. The place that makes me happiest in Dubai is the beach. Our beaches are so clean and well maintained and I love being on the beach.

Something small that makes you happy
Dancing! I love dancing so sometimes I just put my headphones on and do a dance routine. If you follow me on Instagram you are bound to see little snippets of me dancing.

Happy secret pleasure
I love myself - as I am.  I have learnt that to be happy I have to be first happy with myself. It keeps me positive and happy about people around me.


Kris Fade, Radio Presenter
Happy Place in Dubai
When I'm with my kids.

Something small that makes you happy
My Samsung S 7 (laughs) is that small enough? My phone is what makes me happy.

Happy secret pleasure
The two minutes that I have in the shower at around 4.47am, with the hot water on. I put the water on directly at the back of my neck and I just sit there for two minutes. It's my two minute charge for the rest of the day. That's something very little that makes me happy and I do it every single day.

Dynysty Meshack, Dubai-based recording artist and record label executive.
"I love JBR Walk in Dubai. It makes me so happy every time I go there . . . it's so full of life and my favourite part is the beach. It's one place in Dubai that you can go to all year long. Whether it's hanging out on the beach or out to eat . . . What I love about living here is the international experience and meeting people from all over the world and learning about so many cultures and what it's like for them. I embrace it all."

Shahd Al Jumaily, Fashion Entrepreneur
Happy Place in Dubai
My current happy place in Dubai is Bab Al Shams (Desert Resort & Spa) because it's so far away that I feel like it's not in Dubai. I just go there and relax and I love the view of the sunset from there. It's really nice.

Something small that makes you happy
I give myself breaks. Every once in a while especially when I'm so busy, I just take a break. I can't take a full day off but I take a few hours off where I don't do anything, I don't go to events. I don't answer emails, I just relax.

Happy secret pleasure
This is no secret but I'm obviously a food lover. So it's definitely food. It's the only thing that switches my mood immediately.