Dubai is certainly a healthier city and why a 4-day work week could be in future, our editors comment on the top stories of December 4

DUBAI IS CERTAINLY A FITTER AND HEALTHIER CITY: The revelation that the sixth annual Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) saw the participation of over 2.2 million people is indeed remarkable. The overwhelming response to the series of events and activities across the city has proved that the annual fitness campaign launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, is doing what it set out to do: Make Dubai a fitter and healthier city. The participants would now do well to make their month-long exercise regimes a more permanent routine, rendering it a way of life. [By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

IS A FOUR-DAY WORK WEEK THE FUTURE? A recently published research paper from the non-profit 4 Day Global revealed that companies that gave their staff an extra day off per week, with no reduction in pay, experienced increased revenue alongside reduced absenteeism and resignations. What’s more? Revenues of companies participating in the experiment shot up by 38 per cent. More than 30 companies and almost 1,000 employees in countries including the US, Ireland and Australia recently concluded a six-month four-day week pilot programme coordinated by the non-profit 4 Day Week Global. “The two-day weekend is not working for people,” said lead researcher Juliet Schor, an economist and sociologist at Boston College. The social experiment was a successful one. However, it is left to researchers to figure out how a 4-day week would work across sectors. Yes, it makes sense in education and most white-collar jobs, but what about essential sectors, such as healthcare, already facing an acute shortage of skilled workers? While the four-day week sometimes works, it may not be practical in all situations. [By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter]

IRAN SHOULD STOP ARMS SUPPLY TO HOUTHIS: The US Navy had seized one million rounds of ammunition along with rocket fuses and propellant being smuggled on a fishing trawler from Iran to war-torn Yemen. The fishing trawler intercepted on Thursday was carrying 7,000 rocket fuses and over 2,100 kilos of propellant used to launch rocket propelled grenades. The supply, sale or transfer of weapons to the Houthi militants violates international law, Last month, too, the US navy had scuttled a boat transporting “explosive materials”, with enough power to fuel a dozen ballistic rockets. Two months after Yemen’s truce expired, fighting largely remains on hold but a series of recent attacks on oil facilities by Houthi militants could have serious repercussions. Iran should stop supplying arms to militants who are bent on attacking government-controlled ports, the economic lifeline of Arab world’s poorest country. [By Stephen N.R, Senior Associate Editor]

SENEGAL HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE AGAINST ENGLAND: Later tonight England will face Senegal in the last 16 clash and we could have an upset on our hands. The Africans have some very talented players which in itself will make it a tough match for the Three Lions. But if Senegal get their mindset right, then they could pose a serious danger to Gareth Southgate’s side. Aliou Cisse’s team won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in February so they have a very confident group of players. I think England have the quality to dominate the match and have most of the possession, but I see Senegal as their biggest test in the tournament so far. This could go all the way to extra time and penalties. And we all know how England tend to fare when it comes to spot kicks. [By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

TIK TOK INFLUENCER MEGHA THAKUR’S SUDDEN DEATH LEAVES A VOID: She was all of 21 when her grieving parents announced her death on her Instagram account, but tik tok influencer Megha Thakur touched many lives with her posts championing body positivity and dealing with dark phases in her life. Her sudden death – reportedly from a heart attack -- came as a shock to her burgeoning social media tribe, but let’s not forget that she spread joy and hope in a life that seems to be well lived. Most of her posts are about owning your flaws and fabulous bodies with a warts and mole approach. Her death is a morbid reminder that life is too short to be lamenting about that holiday weight you might have gained or the fact that you don’t lead a picture-perfect life. Her life was a portrait of ‘no guts, no glory’ and how social media can be a tool to spread positivity. Here’s to Megha Thakur for living life on her own terms. [By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor]