The UAE has been ranked as the happiest place in the Arabian Gulf, reports Arabian Business.

The First World Happiness Report, launched earlier this week, placed the nation in 17th on a global basis, according to a new report published by the United Nations.

Residents in the Gulf state proved to be more satisfied with their lives than those living in places such as the UK, Germany and Hong Kong.

Neighbouring Gulf states Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, ranked in as the 26th, 29th and 31st happiest places in the world, respectively.

The least happy places in the Middle East were Yemen, Afghanistan and Palestine, the report judged.

Factors that go towards a country's happiness rating include its overall wealth and its mood, social relations and healthcare.

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