Why you should explore UAE heritage this winter, and lessons from our fight against Covid, our editors comment on the top stories of December 5

UAE’S ‘HERITAGE’ WINTER BECKONS: The launch of the nationwide annual winter tourism campaign, World’s Coolest Winter, on Sunday by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, rings in a new sense of direction and purpose as residents and visitors prepare to explore the UAE this winter. The campaign’s theme - ‘Our Heritage’ – will allow everyone to enjoy the many attractions of the UAE with an emphasis on the country’s history, traditions and culture, making it a highly educative experience too. Ajman has been named the starting destination, so just head to its picturesque red fort, Masfout mountains and Al Manamah valleys to get a taste of all that the emirate has to offer. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

HARD WORK PAYS OFF: DUBAI’S TOURISM ECONOMY IS AN EXAMPLE: International visitors to Dubai spent over $29.4 billion this year, more than they did in any other country. Following Dubai were Doha and London, at $16.8 billion and $16.1 billion, respectively, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTCC) said. This trend points to two things. One, Dubai’s recovery from the pandemic has been exponential. Airports and airlines were adequately staffed and ready to cater to a boom in post-Covid travel. Two, travelers were far more comfortable visiting Dubai compared to any other city or country because of the checks and balances the emirate had put in place. It’s no surprise then that Dubai International has twice revised its passenger traffic forecast for this year – the hub now expects 64.3 million passengers by the end of the year. (By Anupam Varma, Assistant Editor)

A TIME TO LOOK BACK AT HOW WE FOUGHT COVID-19: When New Zealand closed its borders to contain the spread of the coronavirus, it was hailed as a success because the country's death rate remained much lower than in most other countries. But over time the economic and social costs rose. Now, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is examining the government's response with a high level inquiry. It is a good decision to look back at some of the decisions taken at the height of the pandemic in order to understand how much it helped the people and the country. Other nations, too, will do well to introspect so that lessons learnt can be used in future. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

SOUTHGATE KNOWS HOW TO PICK A WINNING TEAM: England coach Gareth Southgate has guided his team to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. The Three Lions beat Senegal 3-0 last night in their last 16 clash. It is clear that he is now experienced in the art of tournament management. England are in the last 8 in Qatar and they made it to the World Cup semi-final in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final. He knows how to pick the right team even though he is always being criticized for leaving certain players out. His results speak for themselves. His measured approach has created a group that is a growing threat in this tournament. England’s midfield three of Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham have the perfect balance while up front Phil Foden is the man that makes things happen. He is ably supported by Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka. At the back they look strong too and now have 3 clean sheets. They face France on Saturday and although it will be hard, England can feel confident of advancing in the tournament. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS’ GIVES US VACATION GOALS: Can Women have it all?’ is a question that haunts most of us, but Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ seems to have cracked that code. Her recent pictures at the Red Sea International Film Festival and then letting her hair down in Dubai, drinking in the sunset views atop a yacht with the iconic hotel Burj Al Arab silhouette in the background, provides sufficient proof. Here’s an accomplished actress/activist/multi-hyphenate who knows how to work hard and party hard guilt-free. Similarly, Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor – who recently gave birth to her son Vayu– revealed how she flew into Saudi Arabia for a swanky jewelry endorsement this weekend. She was in and out of that engagement within 20 hours and was back to her son in India. Here’s to women who are conquering the world, on their own terms and no conditions. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)