Eid break options in Dubai; Khartoum battle continue despite Eid truce; Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories of April 22

Perfect Eid break: As the Eid break gets underway, both residents and tourists will vouch for Dubai being the perfect destination. There’s so much to explore in the city that offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor experiences. But it’s not just about the plethora of recreational options that are available. The weather has played along too, adding to the experience and making things all the more enjoyable. So don’t miss out on the opportunity - make the most of the Eid break. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

No respite for Khartoum residents on Eid: The battle between forces of rival generals in Sudan’s capital Khartoum entered a second week with no respite for residents of the city of five million. Despite warring parties saying that they had agreed to a three-day truce starting on Friday to enable the people to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, gunfire and bombing continue to shatter the truce. The clashes have already left hundreds dead and thousands wounded. More than two-thirds of hospitals in Khartoum and neighbouring states are now “out of service”. The situation is grim and the calls by world leaders so far have fallen on deaf ears. When battles rage in residential areas, it is civilians who pay the highest price. A nation reliant on food aid has been tipped into what the UN calls a humanitarian catastrophe. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor]

Reel life imitates real life: Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Departed’ is a thrilling tale of subterfuge and spying gone awry, holding viewers in thrall until the last frame. Alec Baldwin, who played a key role in the movie, would know better. The case of the fatal shooting on the sets of his upcoming movie — the Western named ‘Rust’ — has had a similar trajectory. Not long ago, it seemed that the actor was staring at a 5-year prison term, which was then reduced to 18 months. With prosecutors yesterday dismissing the key involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin, he can now breathe easy. We would know in the months to come if he’s entirely out of the woods. [COMMENT BY: Rajagopalan Venkataraman, Assistant Editor-Features]