Dubai Real Estate Institute (DREI), the educational arm of Dubai Land Department (DLD), has announced the launch of the ‘Harvard Happy Cities’ programme, which will be held on November 11 and 12 at the institute's headquarters in DLD.

 

The two-day workshop will identify the required definitions, contexts, focus and efforts to translate the concept of a ‘happy city’ into reality, said a Wam news agency report.

 

The first segment deals with the definition of ‘happiness’, how it is measured, and the identification of its targeted parties, contextually addressing the basic variables that will be addressed by exploring these three perspectives.

 

The second segment includes detailed workshops focusing on building priorities in the modern era, addressing issues related to the planet, food, water and energy, as well as to housing, real estate, smart buildings, transport and communications. In the third and final section, a ‘Compass of Happy Cities’ will be discussed, with a definition of how to measure them and how to assess success.

 

Mahmoud El Burai, CEO of DREI, said: "We are pleased to work with the American-based Harvard School of Executive Education in organising this programme under a happy cities theme. Increasingly, happiness and prosperity have become a measure of social progress and urban prosperity, and those responsible for community planning and development are expected to establish a new definition of growth and progress concepts, taking into account the needs of the general public. 

 

"Happiness and comfort in cities can be achieved if all entities show an effort to exceed the people's expectations in all aspects of life," El Burai said.

 

Interested applicants can register through the Dubai Real Estate Institute website and the deadline for applications will be October 30.