Given that the world marked the International Day of Happiness recently, it’s worth reflecting on what role happiness plays in a rapidly changing Middle East. In some countries, it is a quality in short supply.
According to this year's World Happiness Report – a collaboration between pollsters Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Lebanon was ranked as the third-unhappiest country in the world. This designation felt challenging for a nation that already faces armed conflict, economic difficulties, political gridlock and regional tensions.
But do such descriptions tell the full story? The World Happiness Report relies on average scores from the Gallup World Poll, in which respondents rate their happiness on a scale from one to 10. What some readers may not realise is that mathematicians, statisticians and economists have long cautioned against using averages for this type of data.
Looking at the median happiness level – a more robust measure of central tendency for this type of variable – reveals something surprising: using World Value Survey data, one can see that most Arab countries, including Lebanon, share the same median happiness category as the Netherlands, which ranks sixth globally in the same World Happiness Report.
Now, in early 2025, both Lebanon and its neighbour Syria stand at a critical crossroads. With new governments seeking to rebuild their countries, an essential question emerges: should these new administrations place their populations’ happiness at the centre of their development and reconstruction objectives?
While measurement specialists might find ways to address the statistical issues noted earlier, a more fundamental question remains: should any happiness metrics, however well-measured, guide policymakers in Lebanon and Syria as they rebuild? I believe not, and here’s why.
Consider what behavioural science tells us about happiness: it’s an evolutionary mechanism that helps us make survival decisions. We feel happy when reality exceeds expectations and unhappy when it falls short. Since expectations constantly adjust, happiness measurements fluctuate with context, making them unstable foundations for national policy.
Think of a Syrian family who lost their home during the civil war but found safe shelter in a refugee camp. If interviewed right after finally finding the shelter, their reported happiness might be surprisingly high simply because they are relieved to be alive. Should policymakers interpret this as success? Obviously not. The dramatic swings in self-reported happiness that often follow major life events demonstrate how these metrics can mislead when used to guide long-term development strategies.
The focus on happiness as a development goal stems from utilitarianism, a 19th-century political philosophy that modern thinkers have extensively challenged. Instead, development economists like Nobel laureate Amartya Sen advocate for a capabilities approach, measuring development by people’s actual freedoms and opportunities rather than their subjective feelings. This framework asks not “Are you happy?” but “Can you live the life you have reason to value?”
The dramatic swings in self-reported happiness that often follow major life events demonstrate how these metrics can mislead when used to guide long-term development strategies
Many Arab countries have already embraced a framework based on Prof Sen’s capabilities approach. Working with the UN’s Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, they have developed an Arab Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) based on concrete indicators of education, health and living standards. The Palestinian Authority went further in 2020, adding measurements of safety, obstructed access to one’s own assets, freedom of movement and women’s empowerment to their national MPI.
These examples show how governments can use and eventually produce regular statistics to monitor development and create evidence-based policies. Yet even this system has limitations, particularly in addressing development beyond basic deprivation thresholds. Once citizens meet their basic needs, this measurement approach provides little guidance on further progress.
Both Lebanon and Syria face unique challenges that require nuanced approaches. Lebanon must rebuild trust in institutions after years of economic freefall and political deadlock that have devastated the country. The recent conflict with Israel has further compounded these challenges, leaving the country with economic damages estimated at $11 billion by the World Bank.
Many have left, but those who stayed behind endure daily hardships from power cuts to shortages of medicine while shouldering the full burden of the collapse. Syria needs to heal its sectarian divisions while reconstructing infrastructure destroyed by the war. Generic happiness metrics cannot capture these complexities or guide the difficult trade-offs leaders must make.
As these countries stand at historic crossroads, they need development indicators that capture the full spectrum of human development. Beyond measuring income, education and health (physical and mental), they should assess freedoms, personal safety, social cohesion and women’s empowerment. These elements determine whether citizens can lead meaningful lives in their homeland rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Both Lebanon and Syria should embrace an approach that not only addresses multidimensional poverty but extends beyond basic needs in each dimension. This expanded vision recognises that true development continues well after basic deprivation has been addressed, pursuing university education beyond the secondary level threshold, comprehensive healthcare beyond just addressing child malnutrition, and full civic participation beyond minimal safety measures.
With support from international organisations, both countries’ existing statistical agencies could implement regular surveys to monitor these broader indicators. Making this data accessible to academic researchers would create a virtuous cycle: researchers could evaluate policy effectiveness, citizens could hold officials accountable and government leaders could make evidence-based decisions that genuinely improve lives.
This evidence-based approach recognises that happiness matters, certainly, but fleeting emotions make poor policy targets compared to the enduring capabilities that allow people to pursue their own vision of a good life.
The path forward is not about chasing happiness rankings, but building societies where citizens have genuine opportunities to create meaningful lives. Leaders who adopt Prof Sen’s capabilities framework would ensure citizens have the freedom, security and agency to pursue their own paths to happiness, rather than targeting happiness itself as the metric of success.
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
More coverage from the Future Forum
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 268hp at 5,600rpm
Torque: 380Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: CVT auto
Fuel consumption: 9.5L/100km
On sale: now
Price: from Dh195,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The rules of the road keeping cyclists safe
Cyclists must wear a helmet, arm and knee pads
Have a white front-light and a back red-light on their bike
They must place a number plate with reflective light to the back of the bike to alert road-users
Avoid carrying weights that could cause the bike to lose balance
They must cycle on designated lanes and areas and ride safe on pavements to avoid bumping into pedestrians
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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The%20specs
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Sweet%20Tooth
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THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
The biog
Hobbies: Writing and running
Favourite sport: beach volleyball
Favourite holiday destinations: Turkey and Puerto Rico
THE%20FLASH
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The biog
Favourite film: Motorcycle Dairies, Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday, Kagemusha
Favourite book: One Hundred Years of Solitude
Holiday destination: Sri Lanka
First car: VW Golf
Proudest achievement: Building Robotics Labs at Khalifa University and King’s College London, Daughters
Driverless cars or drones: Driverless Cars
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Hidden killer
Sepsis arises when the body tries to fight an infection but damages its own tissue and organs in the process.
The World Health Organisation estimates it affects about 30 million people each year and that about six million die.
Of those about three million are newborns and 1.2 are young children.
Patients with septic shock must often have limbs amputated if clots in their limbs prevent blood flow, causing the limbs to die.
Campaigners say the condition is often diagnosed far too late by medical professionals and that many patients wait too long to seek treatment, confusing the symptoms with flu.
FIXTURES
Nov 04-05: v Western Australia XI, Perth
Nov 08-11: v Cricket Australia XI, Adelaide
Nov 15-18 v Cricket Australia XI, Townsville (d/n)
Nov 23-27: 1ST TEST v AUSTRALIA, Brisbane
Dec 02-06: 2ND TEST v AUSTRALIA, Adelaide (d/n)
Dec 09-10: v Cricket Australia XI, Perth
Dec 14-18: 3RD TEST v AUSTRALIA, Perth
Dec 26-30 4TH TEST v AUSTRALIA, Melbourne
Jan 04-08: 5TH TEST v AUSTRALIA, Sydney
Note: d/n = day/night
Youth YouTuber Programme
The programme will be presented over two weeks and will cover the following topics:
- Learning, scripting, storytelling and basic shots
- Master on-camera presence and advanced script writing
- Beating the algorithm and reaching your core audience
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
5) Don't be rushed into a sale
6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
Results
Light Flyweight (49kg): Mirzakhmedov Nodirjon (UZB) beat Daniyal Sabit (KAZ) by points 5-0.
Flyweight (52kg): Zoirov Shakhobidin (UZB) beat Amit Panghol (IND) 3-2.
Bantamweight (56kg): Kharkhuu Enkh-Amar (MGL) beat Mirazizbek Mirzahalilov (UZB) 3-2.
Lightweight (60kg): Erdenebat Tsendbaatar (MGL) beat Daniyal Shahbakhsh (IRI) 5-0.
Light Welterweight (64kg): Baatarsukh Chinzorig (MGL) beat Shiva Thapa (IND) 3-2.
Welterweight (69kg): Bobo-Usmon Baturov (UZB) beat Ablaikhan Zhussupov (KAZ) RSC round-1.
Middleweight (75kg): Jafarov Saidjamshid (UZB) beat Abilkhan Amankul (KAZ) 4-1.
Light Heavyweight (81kg): Ruzmetov Dilshodbek (UZB) beat Meysam Gheshlaghi (IRI) 3-2.
Heavyweight (91kg): Sanjeet (IND) beat Vassiliy Levit (KAZ) 4-1.
Super Heavyweight ( 91kg): Jalolov Bakhodir (UZB) beat Kamshibek Kunkabayev (KAZ) 5-0.
