How Dubai Metaverse Assembly will shape future and world needs a humane migration policy, our editors comment on the top stories of September 29

UAE’S PUSH FOR INNOVATION IN THE SPOTLIGHT AGAIN: The ongoing Dubai Metaverse Assembly has opened up a whole new world of possibilities in the virtual domain. With more than 500 global experts putting their heads together to shape the Metaverse, Dubai’s position as a global hub for testing and developing future technologies has been further cemented. When it comes to UAE’s push for innovation, there is no limit. Not only does it attract creative minds from all over the world, but it also fosters the necessary environment for them to come up with out-of-the-box ideas, put them to test and implement them. And that is what deserves to be applauded. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

SALIK RIDES IN GIVE INVESTOR SENTIMENT ONE BIG PUSH: As far as opening day performances go, Salik’s IPO couldn’t have had it better. Volumes of 100 million plus within the first 15 minutes or so, the stock hitting 15-18 per cent highs from its listing price of Dh2. Altogether, it’s another mission achieved for Dubai in its medium-term plan for DFM to have a Dh3 trillion market cap. This is a strategy that’s still being fine-tuned, as evident from the decision to set the Salik offer price at Dh2 from the outset rather than a price range. So, how soon will the next IPO from Dubai come? The chatter among analysts is that it could be an almost immediate float. Whatever be the case, UAE investors are shutting out the noise from global markets and going for ‘gilt-edged’ offerings. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

WORLD SHOULD DEVELOP A POSITIVE APPROACH TOWARDS MIGRATION: At least 86 migrants died after the boat they were travelling in sank off Syria's coast a few days ago. The boat is believed to have been heading to Cyprus when it sank. Earlier in September, six people, including children, were killed when a boat carrying migrants from Lebanon to Europe sank off the coast of Turkey. These tragedies at sea involving migrants departing from the region is a reflection of the dire situation faced by those fleeing wars, conflicts and prolonged economic hardship. This is unacceptable. Countries need more humane migration policies. The world must adopt a new approach, a complete reframing of the migration issue. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

PAKISTAN-ENGLAND T20 SERIES FINELY BALANCED WITH 2 GAMES LEFT: Pakistan have now taken a 3-2 lead over England in their Twenty20 series after they beat the tourists by six runs in Lahore last night. England were chasing 146 for the win as the hosts were bowled out for 145 with Mohammad Rizwan the only batter to offer resistance with 63 from 46 deliveries. But England had been reduced to 31-3 after five over and never really got going despite a solid effort from captain Moeen Ali who scored an unbeaten 51. They needed 15 runs to win from the last over but fell short thanks to some brilliant bowling by debutant Aamir Jamal. The penultimate game of the seven-match series takes place tomorrow in Lahore and the series is finely balanced. England will be hoping that their batting does not let them down once again as it did last night. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

MUSIC FANS ARE IN FOR A TREAT: Fans of Korean music in the UAE have gotten lots of great news in the recent past. Earlier this month, K-Fest Abu Dhabi brought stars such as Jay B, Zico and The Rose to the capital for a concert. Then in January 2023, K-pop girl group is set to perform in Abu Dhabi, and Jackson Wang has just announced that he’ll be bringing his world tour to Dubai in February 2023. It seems that musicians (and their management) are keen to have UAE as a prime location in the region to host big concerts. The audience is definitely there, as a diverse crowd of listeners exist in the country and are ready to fill up venues to see their favourite artists. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features)