Appeal of Dubai universities and UAE crypto regulatory framework: Gulf News Editors comment on top stories of April 28

DUBAI’S APPEAL FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS: Dubai is climbing the list of preferred destinations for international university students. Around 30,000 are enrolled in educational institutions in the emirate. Dubai conveniently sits between the East and the West, has top-ranked universities, is competitively priced, and is safe and cosmopolitan. So, it is no surprise that enrolment in international universities based in Dubai has jumped eight per cent, year-on-year. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

DUBAI’S AHEAD OF THE CRYPTO CURVE: Dubai is getting into the thick of things with crypto. By April 30, all businesses into virtual assets must meet a major requirement that will set them up for full licensing. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are pushing tighter regulatory frameworks for such businesses. Because creating a favourable environment for crypto-asset firms is also about protecting the interests of entities and individuals dealing with them. The UAE decided early that cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets cannot be wished away. Being ahead on the regulatory side makes a good case for Dubai and Abu Dhabi to develop as global hubs for these new-fangled assets. But with real rules to take care of the virtual. (Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

WORLD MUST INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO END SUDAN CONFLICT: Sudan’s warring military generals have agreed to extend the ceasefire for 72 hours. That’s good news. But the bad news is the sporadic fighting during the truce spilled over to other areas, including Darfur. The mayhem in the Darfur city of Genena is worrying. The ceasefire, however, had created enough calm for tens of thousands of Sudanese to flee to safer areas and for foreign nations to evacuate thousands of their citizens. It’s time for international and regional powers to intensify diplomatic efforts to end the conflict before it becomes a humanitarian crisis as tens of thousands of hungry and exhausted Sudanese flee to neighbouring countries, mostly South Sudan and Chad. (Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor)

SCREEN DIVERSITY, A MIX OF THE GOOD AND BAD: A Netflix study says the streaming media company has increased the number of Asians and women in lead roles but lags in representing Latinos, the disabled and women of colour. The study, conducted in coordination with the University of Southern California, indicates increased opportunities for women in lead roles, directing and key creative jobs. Yet, the company lacks significant representation of characters with disabilities, gender-balanced storytelling in series, roles for girls and women of colour and opportunities for women writers. Netflix and Hollywood should bridge such gaps, spurring similar actions in entertainment industries worldwide. (Rajagopalan Venkataraman, Assistant Editor-Features)

MANCHESTER CITY IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN: Champions raise their game at crucial junctures. When Manchester City, winners of two successive Premier League titles, faced league leaders Arsenal in what could be a title-deciding clash, Pep Guardiola’s side produced their best and showed they are a class apart. Coach Guardiola has two trump cards in Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland, and they delivered when it mattered. City players know what it takes to be champions. They have been there and done that. (A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor)