Dubai health sector, UAE corporate tax and US shootings: our editors comment on the top stories of Jan 24

DUBAI’S HEALTH SECTOR IS IN FINE FETTLE: The realisation of a vision to offer residents and medical tourists the best-in-class services have attracted more than 4,400 health facilities to Dubai. The Dubai Health Authority has simplified the process of establishing medical facilities, and the emirate boasts the latest state-of-the-art infrastructure to support service providers. With its strategic location between the East and West, Dubai has emerged as a hub for healthcare providers, employing over 55,000 licensed medical professionals. This has helped improve our health and quality of life. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

GET STARTED ON UAE CORPORATE TAX COMPLIANCE: The UAE has been generous in giving maximum flexibility to businesses to register and then start on the compliance programmes required for the Corporate Tax regime. Registrations have opened for select categories, and there is much value in the staggered approach. What matters is that UAE businesses coming under the CT programme have ample time to integrate the processes needed for compliance. And in doing so, they get to know where they stand via-a-vis with the 9 per cent tax they will take on from the financial year June 1, 2023. And for those businesses that do not come under the tax net, there are equally vital learning experiences. Time for UAE businesses to get started, if they haven’t already.

MORE SHOOTINGS IN THE US SHOW IT’S TIME TO ACT: Two shootings in California just two days after a gunman killed 11 people at a Los Angeles-area dance studio has shone the spotlight on mass gun violence in the US again. The debate around this topic is the loudest when there is a rampage, and this numbingly routine phenomenon just doesn't seem to go away. Paying the price for the freedom of some to bear arms are innocent people — those with fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. The talk of 'doing something' to curb gun violence in the US has gone on for too long. It is now time to act.

LISA RAY IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL RAY OF HOPE: Bollywood actress, author, cancer survivor, and start-up founder Lisa Ray is an inspiring multi-hyphenate in every sense, but she’s more than the sum of those parts. She’s a force of nature. Very often, the idols on screen disappoint when you meet them, but not Lisa Ray. She loves to keep it real, and that is refreshing. Lisa Ray lives up to her last name of being that proverbial ray of hope and happiness. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)

TOTTENHAM EYES CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPOT: Tottenham striker Harry Kane has now equalled club legend Jimmy Greaves’ record as Spurs’ all-time top scorer with 266 goals after grabbing the winner during the Premier League clash against Fulham last night. The England captain had been stuck on 265 goals for some time, and the pressure seemed to be getting to him. Spurs had been struggling of late, winning just two of their last six league matches, and the team meeting after the 4-2 defeat at Manchester City did the trick as Antonio Conte’s side got back to winning ways. Now they are just three points away from the Champions League spots, and if they continue to show a desire to fight as they did last night, then the top four is still there for them. And with the monkey off Kane’s back, Conte will hope his talisman can fire his side to glory. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)