From the editors: A plea for flexibility in UAE rental contracts

NATIONAL VACCINATION STRATEGY: In another boost to the country’s status as a global health care hub, the UAE cabinet on Monday approved the National Policy on Vaccinations, a multi-sectoral national framework for combating communicable diseases and reducing their risks to individuals and society. The policy aims to create the best policies for vaccination services and preventive health care. As has often been reported, the COVID-19 pandemic has often created a lag in vaccination campaigns elsewhere in the world. The UAE has pre-empted the situation and has come up with a sustainable solution for the wellbeing of citizens and residents. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

ALGERIA DRAFT CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS WON'T CHANGE ANYTHING: President Abdul Majid Tebboune of Algeria has adopted draft constitutional reforms in the face of demands from the ‘Hirak’ protest movement, saying the proposals are in line with ‘modern state building’. After being formalised by parliament, they will be put to a referendum on November 1. Alas, Tebboune seems to have underestimated the opposition to his proposals, which the Hirak rubbished as a ‘laboratory constitution’, branding the referendum as ‘treachery’. The problem is simply this: The draft constitution does little to alter the fundamentals of the system of power in Algeria, where the military runs the show behind the scenes. The proposals maintain the status quo. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

FRESH TENSION ON INDIA-CHINA BORDER: China has accused Indian troops of crossing into its territory and firing warning shots at a patrol. The two countries have engaged in a standoff since May, resulting in casualties in June, and military commanders have met many times to defuse the tension. The rivalry has moved to other areas too, with India banning scores of Chinese-owned apps, including TikTok, citing privacy concerns. Greater caution needs to be exercised by both sides and steps must be taken to ensure peace on the border, considering both countries are armed with nuclear weapons. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

YAS ISLAND TO BE UFC'S FIGHT CAPITAL: It must be music to the ears of countless UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) fans in the region when it’s high profile president Dana White announced on Monday that ‘all the big fights are going to be in Abu Dhabi.’ He chose to make the announcement on September 7 as it completed the first anniversary of the UAE capital staging the marquee UFC 242 fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier at Yas Island. This July, even the ‘Fight Island’ calender behind closed doors was a great success. Now, fasten your seatbelts for some more! [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

A PLEA FOR FLEXIBILITY IN RENTAL CONTRACTS: A lot of common sense and a bit of give-and-take can go some way towards resolving the sticky relationships between landlords and residential tenants. More landlords would do well to consider allowing payments by multiple cheques – and if need be, stretch it to 12. Consider putting in more rent-free periods into the contract – these are dire times, and some flexibility on landlords’ part can help out tenants adjust to their changed income situations. Some landlords are already making those fundamental adjustments… and they will be better off in the long run from doing so. The aftermath of the pandemic will not run easy on the local property markets – but changes in mindset can smoothen out the process out. [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

BOLLYWOOD FANS CALL OUT NEW SONG: : The first song from Bollywood actors Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Panday’s latest movie ‘Khaali Peeli’ has come under fire for its alleged racist undertones. People online have pointed out that the lyrics of ‘Beyonce Sharma Jaayegi’ not only glorify fair skin, but reference the US singer who has been a vocal anti- racism activist. To put the two together in an item song meant to titillate audiences is highly disrespectful, even as Black people and other people of colour around the world continue to face discrimination on a daily basis. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor-Features]