Big Bad Wolf returns, Hopes rise for peace in Yemen: Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories on April 8

THE BIG BAD WOLF OFFERS IT ALL FOR BOOK LOVERS: The Big Bad Wolf—deemed as the world’s largest books sale event - returns to Dubai again displaying a wide variety of genres ranging from science-fiction and thrillers to literature, business, cookbooks, and children’s books, including many other sought-after books, all discounted at over 75%. The exhibition with more than 1 million books on display adds to the UAE’s rich cultural diversity and its emergence as a regional hub for the publishing industry. Residents must visit the exhibition with their children to inculcate in them the habit of reading and love for the published words in this digital age. (COMMENT BY ASHFAQ AHMED, SENIOR ASSISTANT EDITOR)

HOPES RISE FOR PEACE IN YEMEN: A flurry of diplomatic visits and meetings in recent days are bearing fruit. A day after Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to reopen embassies and ease travel restrictions, here comes the news that Saudi and Omani delegations are planning to visit Sana’a next week to negotiate a permanent ceasefire deal with Iran-aligned Houthi officials and end an eight-year-old conflict in Yemen. The visit by Saudi officials to Sana’a is an indication of progress in Oman-mediated talks between the kingdom and Houthis alongside UN peace efforts. In an additional sign of progress, the Saudi-led coalition lifted eight-year-old restrictions on imports headed for Yemen’s southern ports, allowing commercial ships to dock directly there, including Aden. Houthis should seize the opportunity and embrace peace for the good of Yemen where one in five children under the age of five are acutely malnourished. Above: People shop at a supermarket during Ramadan in Sanaa, Yemen on March 29, 2023. (COMMENT BY STEPHEN NR, SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR)

FORMER MAN CITY STAR KOMPANY HAS REVITALISED BURNLEY: Burnley have secured promotion back to the Premier League in their first attempt after they beat fourth-placed Middlesbrough last night. The Clarets have been unbeaten in the league since November and under the management of former Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany, they are a vastly improved team. Kompany deserves credit for the tremendous job he has done at Turf Moor. He left Anderlecht to take over the team after they were relegated last season and he has enjoyed a successful first campaign. They have ditched the direct style of play that was their trademark when Sean Dyche was coach for a more possession based game. They are still robust and hard to beat but now they are also pleasing on the eye. Next season they may just ruffle a few feathers. (COMMENT BY IMRAN MALIK, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR)

HOLLYWOOD IS EMBRACING CHANGE BUT MUCH MORE IS NEEDED: When a movie on Chinese immigrants living in the US swept this year’s Oscars, bagging awards for best actress, director, supporting actor and supporting actress, it was widely believed that inclusion was a done deal in Hollywood. But there’s much more to be done, if a recent analysis is to be believed. The annual UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report, published recently, states that while women and people of colour are making waves in productions with smaller budgets, the big-ticket blockbusters are still the preserve of white men. Worse, ethnic and gender diversity in the world’s most popular film industry, which had seen an uptick in the last few years, have fallen in 2022, the report states. We hope that 2022 was a one-off episode and progress continues in the years to come. Hollywood is one of those rare industries with direct or indirect influence around the world. Therefore, what Hollywood does today, it gets implemented elsewhere tomorrow. Above: Michelle Yeoh and Florence Pugh at the Oscars after party. (COMMENT BY: RAJAGOPALAN VENKATARAMAN, ASSISTANT EDITOR-FEATURES)