DSF is the ultimate shopper's paradise and UAE-UK travel set to soar during spring break: Our editors comment on the top stories of January 29

DSF PROVES DUBAI IS THE ULTIMATE SHOPPER'S PARADISE: The closure of the Dubai Shopping Festival today on January 29 speaks volumes for the huge success of an event that has been running for 28 editions now. As the final day of the festival beckons with citywide celebrations and last-chance shopping deals, DSF has proved yet again that Dubai is the ultimate shopper’s paradise. It is not easy to pull off an event year after year over nearly three decades. But Dubai does it so emphatically each time, with its thrust of innovation ensuring there is always something new to offer. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]The 28th edition of DSF had loads for events for families apart from the great shopping deals.The 28th edition of DSF had loads for events for families apart from the great shopping deals.

UAE-UK TRAVEL SET TO SOAR DURING SPRING BREAK: Finally, here is some good news for travellers to the UK. After three years of pandemic-triggered delays, which lasted seven weeks and over, UK visa processing times have ‘gone back to the old standard’ of 15 working days, VFS Global, the official partner for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), confirmed to Gulf News. The turnaround time for Priority and Super Priority Visas has also normalised to five and one-working day, respectively. Given these new developments, travel agents and airlines operating in the UAE-UK sector are hopeful that travel demand should pick up just in time for school Spring break. “Demand for UK visas remains robust. We saw travel gain speed in 2022, and we expect the trend to continue in 2023,” said the VFS Spokesperson. What’s more? Return airfares to the UK remain locked at Dh3,066 for an Economy cabin seat on Emirates until the second week of February. This might be the best time to travel to the UK. [COMMENT BY: Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter]

SHARON STONE CALLS OUT HOLLYWOOD FOR MISOGYNY: Hollywood actress Sharon Stone has a bone to pick with her male co-stars. In a recent interview with Variety, the ‘Basic Instinct’ star labelled majority of them as a bunch of tone-deaf ‘misogynists’. Barring Robert De Niro and Pesci from ‘Casino’, she claimed that she had the misfortune of working with A-listers who just did not ‘listen’ to what she had to say. “I get that you’re great and everybody thinks you’re wonderful. But listening, being present for those fractured moments, is really the human experience,” she said. We hear her. Many actresses in Hollywood, Bollywood, and the world over feel the same, but here’s to Stone for spelling it out. [COMMENT BY: Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor]

CASEMIRO HAS TRANSFORMED MANCHESTER UNITED: Manchester United are into the FA Cup fifth round after they cruised past Reading last night and it was all thanks to one man, Casemiro. The midfielder once again showed how vital he is to the team as he grabbed two very well taken goals in the 3-1 win at Old Trafford. The former Real Madrid star was brought to the Premier League club to add some steel in the engine room of the team but he has proved he is capable of creating chances and getting goals since his arrival in the summer. He has been very effective going forwards with the ball and this is not something United fans were expecting. The Brazilian has improved not just the team but the morale of the whole club. It is what top class players can do. Erik Ten Had struggled in his early days as the new coach of the team but he has recruited very wisely, especially with the addition of Casemiro, and now it appears United are ready to challenge for trophies again. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]