Integrated as part of Public Health curriculum

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Abu Dhabi University (ADU), an internationally recognized academic institution for quality education and applied research, has launched a Happiness Course as part of the core requirements of its Public Health program across campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Marking the first time that such a curriculum to be offered at ADU, the Introduction to Happiness and Positive Psychology Course focuses on the definition of happiness, positive psychology, principles of positive psychology and happiness, as well as on positive psychology strategies and the practical application of happiness. It will also cover the core components of positive psychology with an emphasis on the optimistic side of human nature and the most effective ways for individuals to thrive and achieve their potential.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Deena Elsori, Head of Department of Applied Sciences and Mathematics at ADU, said: “The Happiness Course is a fruitful outcome of several rigorous workshops and training programs for our faculty members on the concept and notion of happiness. Faculty members participating in the training sessions examined ways to develop individual happiness, understand the fundamentals of positive psychology, and how to transfer this learning into their roles as educators. We are confident that this first-of-its-kind course will help our students focus better on their individual well-being.”

ADU student Ghaid Mari Ghazi, said: “I opted to enroll for this course as I am keen to learn how to live in the moment, stay more optimistic/positive about life and spread happiness around me. This course gives me a valuable opportunity to understand the science and figure out how to apply the techniques in our everyday lives.”

ADU Student Leandro Meneghetti, added: “This course is largely pragmatic and includes programs, interactions, group activities, games and practical homework. We are taught how to apply our strengths, positive emotions, meaningful engagements and relationships, as well as sense of accomplishment in promoting well-being and maintaining happiness.”

Fiona Barron, part-time faculty member at ADU, has significant regional experience pioneering academic and corporate wellbeing programs, is credited with developing and conducting the course, said “I began the course by asking the students about their expectations and what they want to achieve by undertaking this experience. The feedback I received revolved around ways to increase self-confidence and positive energy, while dealing with stress, live in the moment and remain content. By giving students some empowering tools, we hope to enable them to grow into stronger and more confident young adults that lead a happier and more balanced life.”

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About Abu Dhabi University (ADU)

Abu Dhabi University (ADU), an internationally recognized university for quality education and applied research that fosters academic excellence and continued growth, was established in 2003, three years after a charter for the university as a key driver of socio-economic growth, was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region.

At its campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai, ADU’s mission is to go beyond educating students and to contribute in strengthening the UAE’s global position as a progressive and innovative nation through its internationally competitive programs, world-class faculty, and educational resources. The University aims to hone the creative talent, critical thinking and leadership skills of the nation’s youth and empower them to become global leaders and lifelong learners.

Striving towards educational excellence, ADU is the first university in the country to receive the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award in 2010 and the first private higher education institution in the UAE and the GCC region to receive an international academic accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). ADU’s College of Business Administration holds international accreditations from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the prestigious EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). In addition, its College of Engineering has earned the accreditation of the world renowned Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) and Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET.

Dedicated to achieving excellence on all international academic levels, ADU is ranked in the top 2.8% of universities worldwide in the prestigious Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Universities Ranking, scoring third on the “International Faculty Index” for its faculty’s diverse cultural backgrounds, and ninth on the “International Student Index” for its international student body. Moreover, ADU also ranked in QS’s top 150 leading institutions under 50 years, and in the top 7 of all private young universities in the world, the top 3 of all private young universities in the Arab World, and the top 16 of all private universities around the world.

For media/press inquiries about Abu Dhabi University please contact:

Noor AlMasri

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PO Box: 59911, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Direct: +971 506195700

Fax: +971 2 5860189

Email: noor.almasri@adu.ac.ae

Website: www.adu.ac.ae

Ali Yaseen

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Direct: +971 (0)4 361 3333

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Email: ayaseen@apcoworldwide.com

Website: www.adu.ac.ae

© Press Release 2018