Huge round of applause for Dubai Run 2022 and Work on keeping planet safe must continue, our editors comment on the top stories of November 20

HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR DUBAI RUN 2022: The overwhelming response to Dubai Run 2022 on Sunday is an emphatic endorsement of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. That tens of thousands of people from different age brackets and abilities turned up in the wee hours of the day to take part in the event speaks volumes for the spirit of Dubai. Sheikh Zayed Road was a sight to behold as it turned into a sea of people. Above all, the manner in which an event of this magnitude was handled to ensure a smooth sail deserves a huge round of applause. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

WORK ON KEEPING PLANET SAFE MUST CONTINUE: Elation. Disappointment. Exhaustion. The emotions are many at the end of the hard-fought COP27 climate summit. The European Union has expressed disappointment with a lack of ambition on reducing emissions. Other nations are happy with a landmark deal on funding to help vulnerable countries cope with devastating climate impacts. While we continue to read between the lines of the final agreement, we must be thankful that nations spent two long weeks discussing the future of our planet. More will need to be done, and fast, if we are to keep the world a safe place for the future generations. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

SHOCK RESULTS ARE ON THE CARDS AS FIFA WORLD CUP KICKS OFF IN QATAR: The 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off tonight with hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador in the first match of 64 in the tournament which will be played over 28 days. It will be a great chance for either side to get some precious early points in Group A what with Netherlands and Senegal the favourites to finish in the top two spots and advance to the last 16. Favourites Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002 but Tite’s men will be aiming to make it a record-extending sixth title. However, Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina are coming into the showpiece on the back of a 36-game unbeaten run and will fancy their chances. Gareth Southgate’s England arrive in Doha on the back of some poor form but they will be boosted by the fact that they made it to the semi-finals four years ago. Current champions France have been dealt a big blow with the loss of striker Karim Benzema to injury. They are also without N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba and will be relying even more on Kylian Mbappe to help defend their title. Every team has injury issues and are missing key players and so some shock results could be on the cards. That means we could be in for a very exciting and surprising tournament. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

DUBAI, ABU DHABI HOTELS SEE 100% OCCUPANCY: Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are reporting 100 per cent occupancy rates on the eve of the FIFA World Cup opening night, making it the busiest season in Middle East history. Major hoteliers in the Emirates and travel aggregator Booking.com revealed almost all standard rooms in three- and four-star properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are fully booked. The pricier deluxe rooms and presidential suites are up for grabs, and these cost a cool Dh 3,000 and above per night, compared to Dh 500 to 1,000 on regular days. In Abu Dhabi, hotels are getting double the benefit from sporting events, with demand during the F1 races being backed up immediately by the start of the football tournament in Doha. The hospitality industry in the Emirates enjoyed a much quicker recovery from the pandemic compared to the rest of the world, thanks to the UAE relaxing COVID-19- triggered restrictions. With this season, the hospitality industry will enjoy an extended bumper period, past New Year festivities until early 2023. [COMMENT BY: Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter]