UAE firms reach for the world and Fiji tackles climate change: our editors comment on the top stories of Jan 18

UAE BLUE CHIPS MAKE A PLAY FOR ‘GLOBAL REACH’: The UAE’s tech-to-telecom giant e& added another percentage stake in the UK enterprise Vodafone, continuing a process that started in May last year with a $4 billion-plus stock purchase. UAE mega corporations are thinking beyond the region, armed with the cash resources and the chutzpah to take on the world, and that’s heartening. The e& push should be seen in the same light as FAB’s plans — since shelved — to acquire the UK bank Standard Chartered and the multiple geographic and corporate deal-making goals pursued by IHC, the ADX-listed heavy hitter. For these behemoths, it’s about thinking and going global. That’s the way to go. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

UAE’S COMMENDABLE SPACE LEAP: A manned space mission, a lunar craft, and a satellite launch comprise this year’s milestones for UAE’s space sector. More launches may be announced later this year. The country has already reached Mars through its Hope probe and sent an Emirati astronaut to the International Space Station. As a young country with a new space programme, the UAE’s accomplishments reflect its keenness to conquer new frontiers. And that’s an extension of the country’s progress. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

LEARN ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE FROM THE VICTIMS: Fiji has been hit badly by climate change. Dozens of coastal villages are sinking, and people dread the day they will have to leave home. Fiji has been meticulously preparing for the day it needs to relocate villages because of climate change, but the scale of the challenge is enormous. Countries around the world must learn early from the steps taken by those who have been affected. Heatwaves, floods and temperature changes have hit millions around the world. Unless steps are taken soon, and unless people are educated about the simple measures we can take to fight this, climate change will hit us sooner than later. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

BEYONCE, ARIJIT SINGH TO ENTHRALL DUBAI: It will be a glorious weekend for music fans in the UAE. Pop icon Beyonce will perform at an exclusive invites-only concert as a part of the swanky hotel opening of Atlantis, The Royal, while Bollywood music enthusiasts can marvel at playback singer Arijit Singh’s magical voice at the Coca-Cola Arena on January 20. Both come from different worlds, but what ties them is their love for music and songs. But if Beyonce’s much-anticipated in Dubai appearance was a ticketed event, her legion of fans in the UAE could have attended it. The ‘Single Ladies’ singer has not played a full-length concert since 2018, making her pit stop in the UAE this weekend even more significant. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)

JIM RATCLIFFE TO BUY MANCHESTER UNITED: Manchester United could be set for a takeover by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe whose firm Ineos have officially entered the race to buy the English Premier League club, owned by the Glazer family since 2005. Ratcliffe, one of the UK’s richest men, was unsuccessful in trying to buy Chelsea last year. He is a boyhood supporter of United, and fans of the Red Devils will be desperate for him to acquire the club as they believe it would be in the right hands. If the sale goes through, it will be a shot in the arm for United, whose performance over the past few seasons has been below par. (Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)