Dubai rent, Emirati scholarship, and Kerala COVID rules: our editors comment on the top stories of Jan 17

DUBAI RENTS NEED A BIT OF COOLING: Dubai’s always-in-demand residential areas are turning up the heat on tenants with rent gains between 20-35 per cent. Industry insiders say the momentum will likely continue this year as the supply of new homes will take longer to make their presence felt. The sustained demand from newcomers to the city has been fuelling this increase. The authorities must take a closer look at market dynamics to prevent rent increases from going too fast or too soon. They had done it in the past, and even property values had been gaining through sharp speculation. Rent gains could do with some cooling. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

GREAT INITIATIVE FOR EMIRATI HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: The scholarships programme of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is a great initiative to provide outstanding Emirati students unique gateways for personalised higher education journeys at the world’s leading universities. This will encourage students to improve their performance and graduate from high school with good grades. With students pursuing majors aligned with human capital demands in priority industries, they will also benefit from internship opportunities offered by over 100 industry-specific partners. (By Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

ONUS ON PEOPLE IN KERALA TO FOLLOW COVID RULES: The decision of the South Indian state Kerala to re-introduce the wearing of masks with immediate effect shows that it is determined to clamp down on the spread of COVID. Social distancing has been made compulsory in public places, and sanitisers must be placed in shops. Kerala led the way in tackling the pandemic during the first wave. It also ensured the timely distribution of vaccines. The onus is now on the people to follow the new rules so that the state can rein in the health crisis again. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

PRESSURE GROWING ON LIVERPOOL BOSS KLOPP: It is a surprise to see Liverpool struggling so badly this season, and the pressure is on manager Jurgen Klopp. The German says he will not leave the Anfield club and believes he is the man to turn their fortunes around. Nobody can doubt this; after all, he has brought several titles since his arrival in 2015, including the Premier League, which the club craved for decades. But now, he faces a different challenge: getting the Reds back inside the top four, which could prove his hardest yet. They are languishing in ninth, and the fans are beginning to voice their frustrations. If results do not improve fast, then the coach, as always, will be one that pays for it. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

HRITHIK ROSHAN KEEPS IT REAL: Hrithik Roshan is one of the fittest actors in Bollywood, but he also struggles to hit the gym every morning. In an interview with Gulf News, he said he is not an enthusiastic gym rat. While it may feel like Roshan is genetically gifted and has it relatively easy, nothing can be farther from the truth. So let’s skip that doughnut this morning and exercise some discipline. (Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)