Dubai’s green initiatives get a big boost and securing UAE’s food supplies, our editors comment on the top stories of November 17

DUBAI’S GREEN INITIATIVES GET A BIG BOOST: The go-ahead given for the roadmap to complete the transition to zero-emissions public transport in Dubai on Wednesday will no doubt give a fresh impetus to the emirate’s green goals, eventually making it a global model of sustainability. By the time Expo City is ready to host COP28, Dubai’s position as an international hub for creativity and innovation will also be well-established. With the roadmap being in line with the UAE’s vision to transform climate change challenges into opportunities, the development of new industries, technologies, skills and jobs that support environmental protection will receive a big boost, even as it will help diversify sources of income and build a knowledge economy and a green future. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor)

SECURING UAE’S FOOD SUPPLIES – AND DOING IT THE DIGITAL WAY: It would be easy to forget about food security priorities as soon global supply chains started moving back into gear and containers became available in plenty. But this is one priority that needs constant watching over, building up a nation’s food reserves and access to more than adequate supplies along with it. In this regard, Dubai’s move to launch a B2B food focused trading platform under its Food Tech Valley initiative is quite bold. This is one category that still seems so caught up with analog ways of doing business. What it needs is a digital refresh. The new initiative promises that, adding a further layer to securing the country’s requirements of food supplies. And making the process smoother. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

HOW DO CRICKETERS TAKE A BREAK? Twenty20 World Cup finished only a few days ago and at least four teams, Australia, England, New Zealand and India are back on the field. These days players frequently suffer injuries and end up on the sidelines. More often than not, it is the fast bowlers whose body takes the toll due the rigours of the modern day cricket. When players complain, then the former players shot back the question, why are you complaining now, and not while playing franchise leagues? A valid question, but franchise cricket is not the same as playing for one’s country. In franchise leagues, some of these big stars don’t put themselves under the same stress as they would do when they play for their country. They even take breaks from their clubs. Hence, it is time to find the middle path to ensure that the players’ health is also taken care of while they don’t have to compromise on their livelihood. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

UAE’S ENTERTAINMENT SCENE IS BURSTING WITH EVENTS APPEALING TO ALL AGES AND TASTES: Calling all entertainment buffs in this region! Mark this weekend as an epic one as you have events spanning different genres and scale playing out this weekend in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If American R & B singer Usher rocks your boat, then just head to the after-race concerts at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2022, but if it’s Bollywood that speaks to you then just head to Dubai World Trade Centre for this year’s Filmfare Middle East Awards as stars including Ranveer Singh and Janhvi Kapoor take to the stage. And if that isn’t enough action and you are craving family-friendly activity, then check out the legendary Broadway hit ‘The Lion King’ musical which will be staged at Etihad Arena in Yas Island this weekend. And if you have deep pockets, head to the Steve Harvey charity gala dinner at the Louvre Abu Dhabi for his charity fund-raiser which will see stars including R & B singer Akon and Antony Anderson, the star of ‘Black-ish’ walk the red carpet. We also hear that Bollywood stars Varun Dhawan and Kriti Sanon are also in Dubai to promote their new monster thriller ‘Bhediya’. So gear up for some celebrity spotting of the real kind. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)