Boost for early schooling in UAE, Rory in spotlight at British Open, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on July 20 trending news

BOOST FOR EARLY SCHOOLING: As part of the Public Nurseries Project run by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, 10 new public nurseries with a combined capacity of over 4,000 seats will open over the course of two years. Registration for the first intake, which will include 2,000 Emirati pupils between the ages of 3 months and 4 years, opens in October 2023. Children from families receiving social help are given preference. Establishing 4,000 nursery seats is more than just a school improvement project; it's a wise decision that will benefit families and the workforce. By vastly expanding access to early schooling, families will gain new opportunities, potentially altering their economic pathways, and relieving the burden of childcare, thus allowing them to fully participate in and contribute to the economy. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

A VISION OF BOLSTER COOPERATION: UAE and Turkey's $50.7 billion strategic agreements cement bilateral ties, focusing on energy, defense, space, and trade. The agreements were reached during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Abu Dhabi wealth fund ADQ also inked a deal on investing in sukuk for the purposes of the reconstruction of areas of Turkey affected by earthquakes. Turkey is one of the UAE’s largest trading partners, with non-oil intra-trade between the nations from 2013 to 2022 amounting to more than $103 billion, divided into $56 billion in imports, about $35 billion in exports, and more than $12 billion in re-exports. This partnership underscores their commitment to sustainable development, security, and economic growth, with a vision of bolster cooperation. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

RORY IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT BRITISH OPEN: After the recent Scottish Open success, Rory McIlroy's chances securing a fifth major title looks bright at the British Open starting today. It's been nine years since the Northern Irishman last won a major. In 2014, he secured his third major crown at the Open and then followed it up immediately with the US PGA Championship triumph. But since then it's been an agonizingly painful wait for the 34 year old having had some real close misses. Last year's Open at St Andrews he was tied for the lead going into the last round but ended in the third spot. Even at the last month's US Open he finished a close second. But a consistent year where the World No 2 has recorded eight top-10 finishes and the Scottish Open crown showed his red-hot form. A reason why he’s the bookmakers' favourite at the Open. (By Jai Rai, Assistant Editor)

‘OPPENHEIMER’ CREATING OSCAR-BUZZ: Celebrated filmmaker behind some dense and cerebral films is back at what he does best. Making compelling cinema that’s isn’t too convoluted and complicated. Enter his latest biopic ‘Oppenheimer’, chronicling the adult life of American genius scientist J Robert Oppenheimer, credited as the father of the atom bomb. The thrilling biographical feature has everything going for it. Star-studded cast, compelling raft of talents, and a sturdy storyline involving an enigmatic man, Washington politics, and murky political ideologies. Billed as the ultimate film that will set the Hollywood box-office counters ringing, Nolan’s new spectacle has lots going for it. Going by the buzz this explosive film is generating after a day of its release, writer and director Nolan is fast becoming the Oscar magnet of the year. This proves that good stories and dizzyingly stylistic filmmaking can never go out of style. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)