Are you ready for UAE corporate tax? A new chapter for Arab Reading Challenge begins, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories on May 15

HOW PREPARED ARE YOU FOR UAE CORPORATE TAX? While no business has – so far – been burning their office lamps at midnight, no one will deny that ‘Corporate Tax’ is front and centre of all talk that’s been happening these days. So much so, talk about the property market is coming up seconds these days. Understandably so, because the UAE, its businesses and auditors are venturing into a new space. Sure, they have had practice over the last 5 years from engaging in VAT transactions and payments, but corporate tax is a different sort of matter altogether. It requires the sharpest minds singularly pursuing each provision in the rules and then strive to meet them. Anything less will just not do. So, let’s burn all those lamps and get set for June 1, 2023. A whole different world beckons. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

NEW CHAPTER BEGINS FOR ARAB READING CHALLENGE. The latest edition of UAE’s initiative to get children in Arab countries reading as many books as possible during the school year has achieved multiple milestones. It has become the world’s biggest such campaign, with 24.8 million students from 46 countries participating, as announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai yesterday. Also, a new category for people of determination has been added to enhance their inclusion. More than 22,506 students of determination have moved up to the final round of qualifications. Moreover, the 2023 edition has seen an 11 per cent increase in participation from last year. These milestones surely deserve our praise and support, and inspire young readers to turn a new page. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

INNOVATION KEY TO IPL’S CONTINUED SUCCESS: The Indian Premier League's current season has proven to be an enthralling affair with only one-week left, and nine teams still in contention for the four playoff spots. Despite the expectation that the outcome would become clearer after the league's 61st match out of a total of 74 over a period of almost 58 days, fans of all nine franchises remained hopeful that their favorite team will advance. While some teams currently hold an advantageous position, others rely on the results of other teams and winning their own remaining matches. One of the many factors that make the IPL an interesting league is the strong presence of international stars and the home and away concept, which gives every team a chance to come back into the league. This year, the addition of the Impact Player has made it even more exciting, which is reflected in the results so far. IPL's continued success lies in innovation. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

ACTOR MENA MASSOUD SCRUBS HIS TWITTER ACCOUNT CLEAN: ‘Aladdin’ star Mena Massoud was spurred to delete his Twitter account after he sparked an unintended controversy while speculating about the box-office collection of ‘The Little Mermaid’, starring Halle Bailey. According to his detractors, Massoud undersold ‘The Little Mermaid’ box-office success claiming it will not ‘cross the billion mark, but will undoubtedly get a sequel’. His throw away observations didn’t land well with the fans of ‘The Little Mermaid’ as many felt that Massoud was being smug about his own success with ‘Aladdin’. It’s unfortunate that actors are given such a short rope. This constant scrutiny and weighing of words is not good for anyone’s mental health, and Massoud is the latest star to fall prey to this knee-jerk social media expunge reaction. And we also know that he won’t be the last. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)