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

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 effort to exceed the people's expectations in all aspects of life."

The third edition of this programme — in line with DREI's mission to disseminate real estate knowledge — will be held under a 'Happy Cities' theme, where the two previous editions were held under 'Smart Cities' and 'Future Cities'.

The two-day workshop — consisting of three specific segments — will identify the required definitions, contexts, focus and efforts to translate the concept of a 'happy city' into reality.

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.

El Burai added: "This programme is a valuable opportunity for those interested in the real estate sector and those who plan and develop cities in general. In addition, it is an important tool for those who wish to improve upon their skills and expertise in this field and acquire necessary specialised knowledge that many in the modern era feel they lack.

Interested applicants can register through the Dubai Real Estate Institute website and the deadline for applications will be 30th October 2018.