Dubai Municipality’s crackdown on co-occupancy and rise of far-right in Italy, our editors comment on the top stories of September 26

CO-OCCUPANCY CRACKDOWN MAKES DUBAI’S RESIDENTIAL AREAS EVEN SAFER: Dubai Municipality’s crackdown on singles and ‘multiple’ families, coupled with Dubai Land Department’s move in mandating a registration of all co-occupants of residential units in Dubai augurs well for the safety and well-being of communities. The initiative, which effectively defines co-living requirements, will act as a huge deterrent for illegal occupation of living spaces, thereby ensuring the safety and security of residential areas. Regular inspections by the authorities also help in identifying possible instances of breach and take prompt action against them. All of this leaves little room for any violation. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

FAR RIGHT COMES TO POWER IN ITALY: In Italy, Giorgia Meloni looks set to become the country’s first woman prime minister. Her government will also be the most right-wing since World War II after leading a conservative alliance to triumph at Sunday's election. Meloni has waited all her political life for this moment. From being an ardent political activist to the highest office in land, the firebrand has come a long way. All eyes are now on the direction Meloni will take Italy into. Given the calm and inclusive victory lap last night, there is hope she might just choose to tread the middle path. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

MORE PAIN FOR GLOBAL CURRENCIES – IS THE FED WATCHING? When will the pain end for currencies other than the dollar? If those tracking the euro and pound were hoping for some respite after the weekend, that’s not how it is looking like today. More drops from already all-time lows. With these two currencies, the declines have been almost seismic in their impact, more so for the UK which has initiated on a ‘go-for-broke’ push to pump up growth through tax cuts, removal of banker bonuses, etc. When will dollar’s run up end, soothing the concerns over other currencies? Will the US Fed feel the pain all around and ease up on the rate hikes? (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

STRUGGLING ENGLAND HOST GERMANY IN FINAL OUTING BEFORE QATAR WORLD CUP: England will play their last match tonight against Germany at Wembley before the Qatar World Cup kicks off in late November with coach Gareth Southgate appearing to be on the verge of the sack. For the first time since 2014 England have failed to win any of their last five matches and have not scored a goal in open play during that poor run. It is not the kind of form to be taking into the global showpiece and tonight will afford Southgate one last chance to get his tactics and team selection right. The pressure is building on the 52-year-old who knows results will dictate his future and even though he has a contract until 2024 he could be facing the boot well before then. Would a new face be a risk with the tournament just weeks away or would it be the boost the squad needs? That is a question the English Football Association will need to answer. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

DUST OFF YOUR TUXEDOS AND GOWNS AND HEAD TO DUBAI OPERA: The iconic Dresden Opera Ball, led by Plácido Domingo (tenor) and Marina Rebeka (soprano), will be held in Dubai on November 15 at the Dubai Opera and this could be your chance to see world-renowned artists at work. Fresh of their performance at the Catherine Palace in St Petersburg, this gala event which will play out like a European ball looks promising. Author Riz Khan will moderate proceedings hosted by former Miss Universe Oksana Fedorova. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to pluck that rarely used couture gown and black tuxedos to good use. While the evening will set you back by at least Dh975, the experience to see these world-class musicians at work is priceless. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Assistant Editor Features)