Business confidence up in the UAE, Can Erdogan save the Black Sea grain deal? Gulf News Editors comment on September 5 trending news

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE UP IN THE UAE: Business confidence in the UAE remained resilient over the summer, reaching a post-pandemic peak in August, according to S&P Global monthly PMI tracker. This positive trend has persisted for most of the year, with various sectors, including travel, tourism, and retail, benefiting from new projects. The seasonally adjusted S&P UAE PMI eased slightly from 56.0 in July to 55.0 in August, yet it still suggests that the economy is into expansion. The latest PMI survey showed that business confidence was strong with the index at its highest since March 2020. “Firms grew increasingly confident that activity levels will continue on an upward path,” the report said. The pace of expansion in new orders remained healthy, driven in part by improved economic conditions and increased consumer activity. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

WILL ERDOGAN SAVE THE BLACK SEA GRAIN DEAL? The recent meeting between Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi underscores the critical importance of reviving the grain deal, brokered with the assistance of the UN and Turkey. This agreement, designed to alleviate a global food crisis by facilitating Ukrainian grain exports, has been imperiled by Moscow's withdrawal. President Erdogan and the UN are actively pushing for Russia's return to this pivotal initiative, emphasising the need to address Moscow’s concerns. Putin, in agreement, insists on the West removing restrictions on Russian agricultural exports. The global significance of this deal, not just as a trade agreement but also as a lifeline for nations facing food shortages, cannot be overstated, making its revival imperative for global food security. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

DANGEROUS CHALLENGES: The alarming rise of online challenges is a cause for concern, placing impressionable youth in grave jeopardy. This trend sees young people daring each other to perform bizarre feats and then sharing them on social media. Some of these dangerous dares include excessive consumption of food and drinks, leaping from great heights, high-speed boat dives, and executing dangerous car stunts in rugged terrains, or on public roads. These challenges have spread rapidly across social media, generating widespread fame among users globally. Ironically, the term "challenge" inherently conveys positivity, symbolising determination and resilience in overcoming obstacles. Sadly, its twisted meaning often endangers the health, well-being, and even the lives of young people. Experts emphasise the urgent need for parents to be acutely aware of these hazards and actively redirect them towards positive endeavours. Amid this worrisome trend, adequate parental supervision is paramount. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)