Dubai-based English language newspaper Khaleej Times has appointed a ‘Happiness Editor’.

Saman Haziq, who joined the paper in 2012 and was formerly a sub-editor, has been tasked with reporting on ‘happy’ news stories to lift the mood of readers.

“News has many dimensions; sometimes its positive aspects are not explored enough by reporters and editors,” the newspaper wrote in an editorial. “Such positive and constructive stories from across the world will be curated by Saman and appear under the title Pursuit of Happiness.”

The appointment follows the recent appointment of Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi as UAE Minister of State for Happiness.

“Realising the importance of the government's change initiative, and the need to cascade it to its own readers, Khaleej Times has put happiness atop its change agenda,” the newspaper said.

Speaking about her new role, Saman said: "It's time we change our perspective, appreciate and celebrate this phenomenal thing called Life. In keeping with the aim of making Dubai the happiest city of the world, Khaleej Times is making an effort to give our readers a reason to smile every day."