Dubai's budget reflects vision for growth, A glimpse into Trump’s future legal battles, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on November 7 top news

DUBAI’S 2024-2026 BUDGET ACCELERATES AMBITIONS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday approved the emirate’s budget for 2024 to 2026, which allocates Dh246.6 billion of expenditure. The emirate expects to achieve estimated public revenues of Dh90.6 billion, of which Dh85.1 billion have been allocated to the budget and Dh5.5 billion to the general reserve in 2024. The government has earmarked a whopping Dh79.1 billion for spending next year. And according to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the budget charts a financial roadmap for accelerating Dubai’s ambitions to foster exponential economic growth. It consolidates Dubai’s position as a global economic powerhouse. The new budget will play an instrumental role in achieving the city’s goals to double its GDP and propel it into the ranks of the world’s top three urban economies over the next decade. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter – Business)

A GLIMPSE INTO TRUMP’S FUTURE LEGAL BATTLES: In a contentious and theatrical courtroom appearance, former President Donald Trump's testimony in the New York Supreme Court displayed defiance, bombast, and attacks on the judge and state attorney general. This dramatic episode foreshadows the approach he might take in the upcoming legal battles throughout 2024, indicating a blend of political rhetoric, refusal to directly answer questions, and an unwavering defense of exaggerated property valuations. Trump's unapologetic and combative demeanour during the trial hints at a precedent of continued confrontation in future legal proceedings. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: The Can Collection Drive spearheaded by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) serves as a shining example of sustainable consumption practices, promoting resource conservation and the principles of a circular economy. It is a testament to the UAE's dedication to sustainability across societal, economic, and environmental dimensions. With their ambitious goal of collecting 27.5 tonnes of aluminum cans for 2023, it signals a strong commitment to reducing waste and carbon emissions. However, the importance of ongoing efforts and community-wide participation cannot be understated. To achieve complete circularity, we must continue supporting initiatives like this throughout 2024 and beyond. Since 1997, EEG's cumulative efforts have resulted in the collection of 405 tonnes of aluminum cans, leading to the mitigation of 6,077.8 MTCO2e, saving landfill space, and conserving energy. These remarkable figures showcase the transformative impact of concerted efforts in the pursuit of a more sustainable future. Every aluminum can recycled is a step closer to a cleaner and more sustainable planet. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

SINGER IMAN CHAKRABORTY STRIKES A CHORD WITH HER SEARING HONESTY: It’s not often that you interview singers who speak openly about facing brutal rejections and how being a woman makes it tough for your voice to be heard. But National Award-winning singer and actress Iman Chakraborty, in an exclusive interview with Gulf News, was endearingly honest about her struggles. While she achieved India's prestigious National Award right after her very first playback song for a movie, her journey was no cakewalk. The 34-year-old singing sensation vividly recalls a time when she faced rejection due to her non-conformity with a specific stereotype. In the early stages of her career, she exclusively performed Rabindra Sangeet, a genre steeped in tradition. Bengali singers rendering Tagore's compositions were traditionally expected to exude a saintly aura – donning a sari, a hair bun adorned with jasmine flowers, and sporting a prominent bindi on their forehead while skillfully playing a harmonium. Though such choices are deeply personal, Iman Chakraborty's casual style set – mostly jeans and a casual T-shirt – set her apart. But being different made her stand out and it’s a reminder that following your own truth will always reap rich dividends. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)