Emaar Development PJSC (DFM: EMAARDEV), the property development business of Emaar Properties, has commissioned a special executive education custom programme by Harvard University's Graduate School of Design on Dubai Creek Harbour: The Happy City.Through four Harvard Executive Education programmes, Emaar aims to put the 6 sq km mega-development as well as the nation on the global map.

Led by international experts, the first programme held recently, focused on concepts, tools, frameworks and best practice cases to coach the participants through group exercises to design and build a Happiness Index that will enhance the value of Dubai Creek Harbour, and meet the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the happiest city.

Emaar Development's senior management, development team and special invitees, including stakeholders associated with the 6-square km mega-development, attended the first session.

Chris O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Development, said: "As the city of the future, Dubai Creek Harbour is setting new milestones and benchmarks in urban development. Through our collaboration with Harvard University Graduate School of Design, we aim to build a smarter, healthier, greener and more aesthetic development that promotes the genuine happiness and wellbeing of our residents."

The Harvard University Executive Education programmes will coach participants to design specific guidelines to make the spaces in Dubai Creek Harbour happier for residents in tangible ways, and generate a framework of strategies to promote their sense of belonging.

Following the first session, internal needs and feedback are being assessed and integrated for the subsequent sessions in 2018 and 2019. The programmes are led by Rick Huijbregts, instructor at Harvard University GSD Executive Education; Miguel J. Martins, Global Lead - Innovation & Sustainability in the Knowledge, Learning & Innovation Office of the International Finance Corporation; Omran Hayat, Partner at Al-Mehan Holding Company; and Rena Fonseca, Director of Executive Education & international Programmes at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Developed as a joint venture with Dubai Holding, Dubai Creek Harbour represents the next frontier in contemporary life, work and play. The development is only 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport and located by the Dubai Creek. It overlooks the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, which is protected under the UNESCO Ramsar Convention and is home to over 67 species of water birds.

At the heart of Dubai Creek Harbour is the upcoming global icon, Dubai Creek Tower set to be a must-visit tourist attraction. A high-end retail district, an Island District with a 4.5 km Creek Boardwalk, a world-class yacht club, marina, hotels, water features, leisure attractions and wide selection of cafes and food & beverage outlets add to the quality of living. Dubai Creek Harbour has launched several residential projects that have gained strong investor response.