(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Smiles and cheers greeted Dubai residents, tourists, commuters and public transport workers on Tuesday, on the occasion of the International Day of Happiness.
Dubai Metro riders received gifts from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) while others were treated to a free ride on the Happiness Bus and passes to some of the city's popular spots: Global Village, Dubai Parks and Resorts and La Mer.
Around 100 visitors who arrived at the Dubai International Airport (Terminals 1 to 3) were given free taxi rides to their respective residences and hotels while 1,600 public transport employees were given chocolate boxes with inspiring messages of positivity and happiness. 'Hello cards' and free lunch meals were also distributed to around 2,500 bus drivers at RTA's Al Aweer bus depot and 500 NoL cards were distributed to lucky commuters.
One of those who applauded the 'Happiness' initiative was Indian mum Vaishali, who with her two daughters, Prapti, 6, and Bhagya, 2, were welcomed with balloons, happiness pins and other giveaways as they exited the tills at the BurJuman Metro station.
"Dubai is truly one of the happiest places on Earth," she told Khaleej Times. "The transport system here is excellent and I'm always a happy Metro rider. Receiving gifts, even if they're simple, can truly bring a smile to anyone's face."
Vaishali also praised the Metro for making her a happy resident. "Thanks to the Metro, I can always go around the city even with my two young kids in tow. The Metro is well-connected and makes travelling convenient," she added.
Indian expat Vela Velammal, a Dubai resident of 18 years, said she read about the RTA initiative in Khaleej Times and took her family to Mall of the Emirates Metro station, to get a free ride and pass to Global Village. "I thank the RTA for this free opportunity to bond and have fun with my family," she said.
Malaysian expat and hotelier Lew Zhin Em, who's been in Dubai for barely seven months, also hopped on the Happiness Bus with her three friends. "We've never been to Global Village and we're excited to see it," she said.
Another happy Dubai resident was Nils Sahu, who brought his wife and two kids to Global Village via the Happiness Bus.
Filipino expat Archie Cruz, who distributed gifts to Metro riders at Deira City Centre, said: "sharing a smile and making them happy also made us happy. Smile and happiness are really contagious."
"We hope everyone will hear the message we are sending here and that is to spread happiness and positivity," added Syrian expat Taj Majdi.
Meanwhile, the Happiness Bus will continue its journey on Friday to bring residents to Hatta Dam and enjoy kayaking for free. One bus is allocated at three Metro station pick up points: Mall of the Emirates, Al Rashidiya and Dubai Mall Metro stations, at 8am, 9am and 10am respectively.
Angel Tesorero
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