From the Editors: WEF report justifies UAE moves to empower women

GENDER GAP REPORT VINDICATES UAE’S STANCE: The UAE has secured the top position in gender balance in the Arab world, according to the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report 2022. The UAE also climbed four places to the 68th spot in global rankings. These figures reaffirm the country’s commitment to empowering women. From various ministries to boardrooms, the UAE has been an exemplar in allowing women to occupy positions of importance. This is something that the UAE’s leadership has always promoted — ensuring that women are equal stakeholders in every aspect of life. The latest Gender Gap Report is a vindication of the UAE’s stance towards women. (By Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor)

EMIRATES MAKES A BEFITTING REPLY TO HEATHROW: Limit daily passenger traffic for two months, when every signal in the aviation industry is pointing to growth. All that Heathrow Airport’s decision to place a cap on daily numbers handled does is slow down the industry’s revival. This is why Emirates airline’s strong critique of the move — and terming Heathrow’s decision as ‘cavalier’ — is appropriate. Heathrow wasn’t prepared for the summer rush, which everyone in the industry saw coming. To resort to the easiest decision — limiting passenger numbers — will only lead to needless confusion for passengers. And will slow down the path to recovery for airlines and the industry. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

PRESSURE BUILDS ON IRAN: Former US President Donald Trump scrapped the 2015 nuclear agreement contending that it didn’t sufficiently curb Iran’s military activities. His maximum pressure campaign hit Iran’s economy hard. But Biden sought to revive the agreement believing that Iran would concede more if the pressure was reduced. But, he realised the appeasement policy had failed. In a policy shift, he said on Thursday that the US wouldn’t wait “forever” for Iran to agree to new curbs and signed a joint pledge with Israel to deny Tehran nuclear arms. It’s time Tehran wakes up to a new reality and sign the deal negotiated in Vienna or face the consequences. (By N.R. Stephen, Senior Associate Editor)

SOCIAL MEDIA’S DARK SIDE: US actress Constance Wu, best known for starring in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, has revealed that she survived a suicide attempt three years ago. The star said she had been emotionally battered by social media backlash in 2019 over her remarks about the sitcom ‘Fresh Off the Boat,’ in which she starred. Wu says she’s making a cautious return to social media now. The internet has many benefits, but for many people, it can quickly turn into a hellish place. It’s important to be respectful online and limit the negativity directed at people because no one knows the struggles of others. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor)