From the Editors: A renewed sense of confidence in the battle against COVID-19

A TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO KEEP US SAFE: Residents in Sydney were asked to limit their movements around the Christmas holidays, millions in the US headed home while countries in Europe began easing travel bans on UK. It’s difficult to keep pace with what is happening around the world as the coronavirus mutates and keeps us on edge. A quiet tribute to those on the frontlines who have valiantly fought the virus throughout the year and have ensured that we can go about our work with the safety protocols in place. Kudos also to those in the lab peering over how the virus changes shape and devising strategies to combat this. Some day we hope we can thank those who have worked hard to keep us safe. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

WELCOME ROLL-OUT: The launch of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Dubai on Wednesday has instilled a renewed sense of confidence among residents in the battle against the coronavirus. The systematic roll-out of the programme in phases once again speaks volumes about the vision and planning of the authorities here. While the first phase targets senior citizens and expats, chronic patients and frontline workers, other segments of the population will follow soon. That the vaccine, which is being administered in two doses, is free of charge has also been widely welcomed. Living in a place like Dubai is indeed a blessing. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

UNITED A STEP CLOSER TO ELUSIVE SILVERWARE: Former Paris St-Germain Edinson Cavani helped Manchester United into the League Cup semi-finals, but the job is only half done for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side if they hope to get their hands on their first silverware since 2017. The Reds have looked rejuvenated in recent weeks, and clinically dispatched Everton 2-0 with two late goals. However, a stern examination from neighbours and League Cup defending champions Manchester City awaits in the semis, and United must eradicate the inconsistencies if they want to book their place in the Wembley finale. Captain Harry Maguire put it best when he said: “It’s important to reach these big games but we have to start winning them and lift some trophies.” [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

THE NEED FOR INCLUSIVITY: The issue of diversity in Hollywood has been raised again over the movie ‘Minari’. The film, directed by and starring Asian-Americans, has to compete for honours at next year’s Golden Globes in the foreign language category, rather than the best drama field. That’s because the dialogue is mostly in Korean. People have pointed out the fallacy of a movie set in America, about a family in Korea pursuing the American dream being deemed foreign just because of language. Americans speak a large number of languages and this will naturally be reflected in its movies and shows. That’s the beauty of diversity. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]