From the Editors: A sombre Eid and a prayer for all

A SOMBRE EID AND A PRAYER FOR ALL: ‘Adaptability’ and ‘improvisation’. As the world prepares to celebrate Eid Al Fitr, these two words seem to be the key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable Eid as we continue to grapple with a new normal in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the second year in a row, we, in UAE, will be observing Eid Al Fitr with this sombre realisation that the war against a dreaded virus is far from over. That is why, in thousands of homes across the UAE, there will be single men and women, as well as families – particularly expatriates -- who will be forced to stay away from their near and dear ones for the second consecutive year as flight restrictions and quarantine measures necessitate exchange of Eid greetings and sharing of festivities only virtually, through various video conferencing platforms. As we join the rest of the global community for Eid prayers, we hope that this is the last time we are forced to observe an Eid in the shadow of a humanitarian crisis. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

INDIA CURBS MUST BE ENFORCED TO FIGHT COVID-19: India’s deaths due to COVID-19 continue to rise. What is also worrying is that the variant fueling the surge has been found in 44 countries around the world, according to the WHO. Although many nations have restricted travel from India, the coronavirus seems to have made its way across the globe. This is not good news, especially because it is a fast-spreading variant. Vaccinations have helped ease the rise in cases in the US and Europe, and India must push to make vaccines available to all in the country. This can only take place with proper coordination and increased output. While lockdowns are in place in many states, their proper implementation is a must to curb the spread of the virus. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

DOUBLE TITLE CELEBRATIONS IN ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi had a double celebration on Tuesday night as two clubs close to the hearts of the people of the UAE capital claimed landmark titles. Firstly, over in England, Manchester City regained the English Premier League as they took an un assailable lead in the table thanks to Manchester United’s loss to Leicester City. The triumph is the fifth in 10 years for the club, owned by Sheikh Mansour’s City Football Group. Less than an hour later as midnight approached in the UAE, Al Jazira ensured there would be an Eid celebration to remember as the ‘Pride of Abu Dhabi’ defeated Khor Fakkan 3-1 to claim the Arabian Gulf League crown, their third in the past decade. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

TIME FOR FAMILY: Bollywood actor Salman Khan has opened up about his Eid plans ahead of the release of his new movie ‘Radhe’. For the veteran star, the holidays are time allocated for family. That actor told Gulf News that his busy schedule doesn’t allow him much personal time, but “Eid, Diwali, Holi, or Christmas…. It’s an opportunity for the whole family to get together.” No matter your culture, the festive season is the perfect time to reconnect with loved ones, an especially important thing to do during such tough times.[COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor]