From the Editors: A veritable treat in Dubai

A VERITABLE TREAT IN DUBAI: The initiative by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, to feature the children’s stories of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in an exhibition starting tomorrow (November 12) in Dubai must be commended. To be organised with the experiential play museum OliOli, the event will offer a veritable treat as it will introduce visitors to five stories written by him in a unique way. The choice of a temporary indoor desert campsite as the venue for the show only adds to the experience. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

LEBANON CANNOT AFFORD TO MOVE AWAY FROM ARAB FOLD: Ordinary Lebanese realise that their destiny lies in the Arab world. Hundreds of thousands of them work in other Arab countries, especially Gulf states. Hundreds of thousands of Arabs travel to Lebanon each year, bringing in much needed tourists riyals, dirhams and dinars. The ties of culture and language that bind Lebanon to the rest of the Arab world can never be cut. However, Lebanon’s politicians don’t seem to care. In thrall of foreign powers, they make irresponsible and unwarranted comments about Lebanon’s all-weather Arab friends, who have stood by it in times good and bad. And they blatantly refuse to acknowledge their mistakes. Deteriorating ties with Arab states will only hurt Lebanon - at a time when it can least afford it. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

NEW ZEALAND TURN TABLES ON ENGLAND IN T20 WORLD CUP SEMIFINAL: Abu Dhabi witnessed a dramatic semi-final as New Zealand ended England’s hopes of being crowned T20 World Champions last night. A late assault from Jimmy Neesham swung the game in the Black Caps' favour just when it seemed England were cruising to Sunday’s final. He smashed three sixes to breathe new life into their chase of 167 and then Daryl Mitchell took them home and finished on 72 not out. They won by five wickets but many will feel England’s chances were lost the moment Jason Roy was ruled out of the match through an injury he picked up against South Africa in their last Super-12 game. They had also lost bowler Tymal Mills and so it was a depleted team that faced New Zealand and their quest to be the first team to hold both the 50-overs and T20 World Cups is now over. But the night belonged to New Zealand who gained revenge for the 2019 World Cup final defeat where a super over was needed to find a winner after the match was twice tied. They will face the winner of tonight’s other semifinal – Pakistan or Australia. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

INDIAN STARS GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT IN DUBAI: It’s not sweater weather just yet, but it is raining celebrities in the city. Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor and her sister Khushi are in town enjoying the sights. Meanwhile, Malayalam star Dulquer Salmaan and his family were in Dubai to witness the actor’s new movie ‘Kurup’ be promoted with visuals on The Burj Khalifa. The city, thanks to its safety standards and world-class facilities, has become the go-to place for stars to not only promote their latest projects but to also relax and take time out from their busy lives. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]