From the Editors: A moment of immense pride and optimism for Emiratis

A MOMENT OF IMMENSE PRIDE AND OPTIMISM FOR EMIRATIS: In the journey of a nation, there are at times those rare poignant moments as the ones through which the UAE is passing right now. With the demise of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the election of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the President of the UAE, the nation has been in the throes of sadness and fulfilment – all at once. Sadness and somnolence over the passing away of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, and a sense of pride, fulfilment and optimism over President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan taking up the reins of a nation that has been a beacon of progress, innovation, peace and tolerance for five decades. No wonder, along with the rest of the world, Emiratis across the country and even beyond have showered their congratulatory messages on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. From comments such as “a good successor to a good predecessor”, to “our country is in the best of hands”, Emiratis have wholeheartedly greeted the rise of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to President of the UAE. For all Emiratis in UAE and abroad, this indeed is a moment of immense pride and optimism as they see the legacy of the Founding Father late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and that of late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan now rest in the able hands of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

PREMIER LEAGUE: MAN CITY READY TO ‘GIVE THEIR LIVES’ TO RETAIN TITLE: A 2-2 draw against West Ham United in their penultimate game next Sunday meant Manchester City may have to wait till next Sunday – the last day of Premier League to seal it – and manager Pep Guardiola says they would give it their all against Aston Villa at home. While City could be crowned champions on Tuesday night itself if Liverpool lose at Southampton, but Guardiola said he was only focused on his own side. ‘’Next week our stadium will be sold out, we will give them our lives and they will give theirs, all together,’’ Guardiola said after the draw. ‘’To do it is an incredible privilege, after many years. To have our chance with our people, to win one game to be champions. I'm looking forward to it,’’ he said. Liverpool, who are four points adrift of City, can narrow the gap to one point when they travel to Southampton on Tuesday – which will make for a heady climax on Sunday.[COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

RETURN TO THE FRENCH RIVIERA: With the French Riviera’s most prestigious film festival returning to its full glory, all eyes are on Cannes and the red carpet glamour that never fails to throw up plenty of surprises. The 11-day film festival opens today with the return of Tom Cruise and his summer blockbuster, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, with this year’s Cannes also hitting a note of nostalgia with an Elvis biopic, along with documentaries on David Bowie and Jerry Lee Lewis featured amongst the screenings. This year, the Indian contingent is also strong with Deepika Padukone serving as jury member, along with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan returning as well, followed by Cannes newbies Pooja Hegde and Tamannaah Bhatia looking for their glamourous turn in the spotlight. With stars, films and fashion in check, the 75th year of the Cannes Film Festival certainly promises to be one we won’t readily forget. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]