Celebrating New Year safely and high airfares to the UAE, and other trending stories, Gulf News Editors comment on December 26 top news

ENSURING SAFE, JOYOUS NEW YEAR: As Dubai gears up for the New Year’s celebrations, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) has been planning meticulously to ensure that revellers ring in 2024 safely. More than 45 fireworks displays will light up the night sky in 32 locations in Dubai, and the agency has been working with everyone involved to adhere to the highest safety standards. The comprehensive strategy is essential to guarantee a spectacular celebration at midnight on December 31. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

WINTER TRAVEL PEAKS IN UAE: The UAE’s emergence as a top tourist destination attracts visitors from around the globe. According to travel aggregator Wego, the UAE dominates the Middle East, with over 300,000 searches for flights to the country in early December. Dubai International Airport (DXB) expects around 4.4 million passengers between December 15 and 31, with an average daily flow of 258,000, and Etihad Airways aims to transport about 1.4 million people this month. The surge in travel to the UAE has resulted in record-high airfares, particularly for flights from the UK and India. Compared to prices to September 2023 levels, airfares have jumped over 50 per cent. That makes last-minute travel almost impossible. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter)

US STRIKES IN IRAQ SHOULD NOT ESCALATE: US strikes on sites used by Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq in response to attacks on American and allied forces are further raising tensions in the region. Baghdad denounced the strikes as a ‘hostile act’ and said it could harm relations. President Joe Biden has ordered the strikes after three US service members were injured in a drone attack in northern Iraq. The attack on US troops follows months of escalating threats and actions against American forces since the start of the Israel-Gaza war on October 7. The US attacks should not lead to escalation of the conflict in the region. (By Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor)

INCREDIBLE DJOKOVIC: Novak Djokovic has ended the year on a high note, finishing world No. 1 for a record 404 weeks. His wins at the Australian Open, French Open and US Open took his record haul of Grand Slam titles to 24. These victories have also sent a clear message to the next generation of players that he won’t fade away soon. Rafael Nadal will return next year, and young guns will be training their sights on the Serbian. That could make tennis interesting in 2024. Still, beating Djokovic will be a tough ask. (By A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor)