UAE’S Pink Caravan, resurgence in Chinese travellers, our editors comment on the top stories of Feb 5

GO IN FOR A SCREENING AS UAE’S PINK CARAVAN ROLLS ON: The theme of the ongoing Pink Caravan Ride - "Powered by You” – is indeed significant. No matter how many awareness campaigns are conducted, the real difference in combating breast cancer can come about only if people take the initiative and go in for the free screenings that the ride offers across the emirates. The initiative is critical to every individual as early detection, made possible through regular screenings, is key to conquering cancer. Hats off to the campaign’s riders, volunteers and medical teams, who are working round the clock to make the campaign a success. [By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

CHINESE TOUR GROUPS RETURN TO THE UAE: After three years of COVID-19-related curbs, the first few Chinese tour groups have entered the UAE. However, the large influx of visitors is expected by the end of March this year, travel agents are saying. The UAE is among 20 countries to which Beijing has allowed outbound tour groups to return, according to Zhang Yiming, the Chinese Ambassador to the UAE. “It is believed that the grand occasion of Chinese tourists flocking to the UAE for sightseeing and shopping before the epidemic will soon reappear,” said the Ambassador. With the arrival of the Chinese tourist groups, industry leaders are hopeful UAE, predominantly Dubai’s tourism numbers, will surpass its 2019 levels of 38.4 million. [By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter]

POPE’S APPEAL FOR PEACE IN SOUTH SUDAN TO BE HEEDED: Nearly 400,000 people died in five years of bloodshed before the South Sudan civil war formally ended in 2018, with a ceasefire between warring leaders who remain in power today. However, violence continues to roil the world’s newest nation, driving people from their homes into displacement camps. With 2.2 million internally displaced people, and another two million outside the country, South Sudan is home to the worst refugee crisis in Africa. Visiting South Sudan, Pope Francis, who tried to broker peace between the rival parties, is urging leaders to restore “dignity” to the millions affected by conflict, renewing a forceful appeal for peace in the nation. The pontiff’s call to the mostly-Christian nation must be heeded. The conflict should end and peace process resumed in a serious way. [N.R. Stephen, Senior Associate Editor]

WILL BEYONCE MAKE HISTORY AT THE GRAMMYS TODAY?: The prestigious 65th Grammy Awards is underway now in Los Angeles today and all eyes are on ‘Single Ladies’ star Beyoncé who leads with a whopping nine nods this year, followed by Kenrick Lamar who has been nominated in eight categories. Let’s not forget that Queen Bey and Grammys have a long history together with 28 wins in her kitty, but will she win the top prize – the album of the year for ‘Renaissance’ – is the big question. And, after having witnessed Beyonce in action in Dubai recently at a private concert, we are cheering for this towering talent. Remember, she needs to win just four awards tonight to become the most awarded artist in Grammy history. Here’s hoping Queen Bey rules at the Grammy and makes it a historic ceremony. [By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor]

DYCHE CAN SAVE EVERTON FROM THE DROP: Everton had been suffering a poor season with the team totally devoid of fight and determination and as a result coach Frank Lampard was sacked. He was replaced by Sean Dyche who has built a name for himself as a manager known to instill battling qualities into his players and in just a matter of days in the hot seat at Goodison Park he seems to have transformed the struggling Blues. They faced Premier League runaway leaders Arsenal in his first match in charge and dominated them from to finish to secure a 1-0 win and three huge points. The Toffees are still in the relegation zone but the team appears to be showing a fighting spirit which was not under the previous manager. If Everton play the way they did against the Gunners in their last 17 games of the season then they will definitely be out of danger. [By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]