The Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden and Denmark are known for their high standard of living and stability yet the Dubai life, more broadly life in the United Arab of Emirates, is catching up with them.
The Nordic Model: Basics and Advantages
The Nordic model is characterised by a combination of a market economy and an extensive social security system. Key elements:
- Universal Social Security: the state provides citizens with a wide range of social services, including free education and health care, as well as generous pension systems.
- High Taxation: a progressive tax system with high tax rates is used to finance social programs.
- Low Corruption: Scandinavian countries consistently occupy leading positions in world rankings of transparency and the fight against corruption.
- Strong Trade Unions and Partnerships: a high percentage of workers are union members, which facilitates effective social dialogue and partnership between employers, employees and the state.
Finland: Happiness Leader
According to the latest World Happiness Report, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the eighth time in a row.
Factors include:
- Social Trust: A high level of trust between citizens and the state contributes to overall well-being.
- Quality of Education and Healthcare: Free and high-quality services in these areas provide equal opportunities for all citizens.
- Environmental Sustainability: Finland pays great attention to environmental protection, which has a positive impact on the quality of life.
UAE: An Alternative Path to Happiness
The United Arab Emirates has improved its position in happiness rankings significantly in recent years, ranking 22nd in the latest report.
The Emirati strategy for achieving a high standard of living differs from the Scandinavian model and is based on fiscal policy, infrastructure investment, high quality services, and government initiatives.
The UAE is actively developing new industries, reducing dependence on the oil sector, whilst focusing on tourism, finance, and technology.
Significant investments in infrastructure contribute not only to the modernisation of the country, but also to the creation of comfortable living conditions for citizens and the attraction of highly qualified specialists from all over the world.
Abu Dhabi is also implementing large-scale programs aimed at improving the well-being of the population, such as the “National Happiness and Positivity Program“, demonstrating its commitment to the idea of sustainable development and increasing the level of satisfaction of citizens.
Although the UAE’s approach to building a society differs from the Scandinavian one, its success confirms that different models can be effective in ensuring a high quality of life and happiness of the population.
Migration and Society
Migrants play a key role in the economy and social structure of both Scandinavia and the UAE.
The Scandinavian countries have integration programs that provide equal opportunities, while the UAE has a system of temporary work visas with limited rights.
The Finnish model promotes high levels of happiness, unlike the UAE, where migrants face legal barriers.
Happiness of Citizenship
In the UAE, the concept of “true happiness” is closely linked to citizenship, which provides access to a full range of social benefits.
Although expatriates contribute greatly to the economy, they often do not receive the same rights or benefits as citizens.
This creates a system in which happiness is more accessible to those with UAE citizenship, while non-citizens, despite living in the country for many years, face limitations in terms of legal rights, social security, and long-term stability.
This is in stark contrast to Scandinavian countries such as Finland, where a high standard of living and social security system ensure that happiness is ‘generally accessible to all residents, regardless of their citizenship.
Different Models, Paths to Happinness
The Scandinavian and the Emirati – demonstrate that happiness is achieved either through social equality or through economic opportunity and innovation.
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