DXB completes remarkable comeback, Trump confronts Georgia indictment, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on August 22 trending news

DXB COMPLETES REMARKABLE COMEBACK: Dubai International (DXB) marks a recovery milestone, surpassing 2019 passenger levels in H1. DXB welcomed 41.6 million guests, up 100 per cent, from the first half of 2019. Q2 showcased robust growth, with a 42.7 per cent rise in passenger traffic, reaching 20.3 million, and May as the busiest month. DXB's focus on operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences shine, like aiding a guest with a hidden disability and reuniting a child with a lost stuffed bunny. DXB's baggage performance stays impressive; 92 per cent of baggage reached customers within 45 minutes. Looking to the remainder of the year, Dubai Airports is optimistic about the levels of demand and is expecting record-breaking numbers during the winter season. The forecast for 2023 hits 85 million guests. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

TRUMP CONFRONTS GEORGIA INDICTMENT: Former US President Donald Trump is faced with a new indictment in Georgia -- accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election results. He plans to turn himself in, claiming the charges are politically motivated. This marks his fourth indictment, with ongoing trials in New York and Florida. Despite the legal battles, Trump aims for a 2024 presidential run. The Georgia case centres on his actions in the state, carrying a $200,000 bond and restrictions on social media posts. Amid his legal turmoil, he remains a prominent figure in the American political landscape. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

FLU SHOTS: As UAE students gear up for the upcoming school term, healthcare experts are advising parents to ensure their children get a flu vaccine to shield them from potential illness shortly after commencing classes. Typically, doctors advise that viral infections be left for the body's natural defenses to combat. However, influenza is a seasonal infection, and the vaccine contains strains corresponding to the prevalent strains that can lead to the illness. These strains differ each season, which renders the body's defence mechanisms inadequate. Given the regular interaction of numerous children daily, germ sharing is inevitable. While the occasional cold might not be a major concern, there exist several contagious illnesses that pose substantial health risks when not prevented, warned doctors. The vaccine incorporates strains responsible for severe infections; therefore, opting for the vaccine is prudent. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

A BEGINNING OF NEW ERA OF FUTURE STARS IN TWENTY20: Hosts UAE have produced an impressive display against New Zealand in the three match Twenty20 series that concluded with the visitors winning by a 2-1 margin. Both the Black Caps and the UAE viewed this series as a building process for the future and the next World Cup and hence fielded a number of youngsters in their line-up. Still it is heartening to note that the hosts, despite being an Associate Nation, showed that they have a plenty of resources to match the wits of a Test-playing nation. As many as four home-grown UAE youngsters made their debut during the series, in a team that already has a good number of young stars like Vriitya Aravind and Aayan Afzal Khan. It is not just here in the series that one could see a completely different team, even India wear a new look and has fielded virtually a different team against Ireland. It is the beginning of the new era of the future generation of stars in world Twenty20 cricket. (By A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor)

BLUE BEETLE' RESHAPES SUPERHERO GENRE: Superhero fatigue is a reality we can't ignore. That same old story of exceptional Americans being summoned to rescue the world from global catastrophes has become a tiresome cliché in the realm of fantastical Hollywood productions. But there's a refreshing change round the corner with Hollywood actor Xolo Maridueña's latest project, 'Blue Beetle'. This new superhero film -- which releases in the UAE this Thursday -- shines a spotlight on DC's inaugural Latino hero, indicating that Hollywood is slowly batting for diversity and inclusivity. In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, conducted prior to the on-going Hollywood writers and actors' strike, the amiable 'Cobra Kai' star, Maridueña, highlights that 'Blue Beetle' isn't just another cookie-cutter superhero flick and is a golden chance to reshape the genre by rolling out relatable tales. Be warned, there’s no alien annihilation here, but far more heartwarming twists mirroring everyday trials with a Latino family facing a mountain of debts. Here’s hoping Hollywood takes on such creative gambles and flies high. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)