For UAE shoppers, time for 90% off deals and big push for Emiratisation, our editors comment on the top stories of November 24

FOR UAE SHOPPERS, A TIME FOR DEALS OF THE 90% OFF KIND: It’s smack bang in the middle of the peak retail season for UAE shoppers and retailers, and even with the World Cup on, they are getting busy weighing up the offer on the latest seasonal merchandise. Or weighing up the merit of paying less for the previous season’s inventory. Whatever they choose, one detail is clear – UAE shoppers are ready to do some more spending. And if the discounts and offers are good, then the retailer can be assured of closing the sale immediately. Black Friday 2022 will prove as compelling as any in recent years, and shoppers-retailers are getting some pricing advantages too because of the dollar-dirham linkage. The next 3 days will see retail and shopping kick into a higher gear, and even if consumers have one eye rooted on the action in Doha, they are still going to keep spending. And the action should continue into December…(By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

UAE SALARY SUPPORT SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE EMIRATISATION: The UAE government’s decision to expand the salary support scheme for all Emirati employees working in the private and banking sector will encourage UAE nationals to seek jobs in the non-government sectors. The initiative will also help the government to achieve its Emiratisation targets. As per the newly expanded government salary support scheme, Emiratis in all jobs who receive a monthly salary of no more than Dh30,000 will have a financial allowance. The updated scheme will certainly contribute to building partnerships and supporting 170,000 citizens working in the private and banking sectors in the next five years. (By Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

K-POP GOES TO BROADWAY: In a mark of spectacular Asian representation, and a sign of the power of the South Korea music phenomenon, a new show has hit Broadway — ‘KPOP’. The musical offers a backstage look at K-pop performers as they prepare for their debut show. In the past, a different musical titled ‘K-Pop Krazy’ was performed at Global Village in Dubai, and various events have regularly been held in the UAE surrounding Korea culture. So it’s no wonder that Broadway is getting in on the action. Korean culture has inadvertently become mainstream and everyone can agree there’s lots to learn and enjoy — from the food to the music and the dramas. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Entertainment)

GAP NARROWING BETWEEN THE ELITE AND MINNOWS: ‘Expect the unexpected’ seems to be latest trend in the world of sport. The Fifa Qatar World Cup so far has shown that the big guns cannot take minnows lightly. Both Saudi Arabia and Japan proved a point against their illustrious rivals. It was a similar scenario in the Twenty20 ICC World Cup in Australia where some favorites bit the dust against lesser-known teams. One of the reasons for the narrowing gap is due to the exposure that the players from smaller teams got playing in big leagues and rubbing shoulders with the best. Certainly, it’s good for sport to see these close battles. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)