From the Editors: ‘Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastics Policy’ a stitch in time

‘ABU DHABI SINGLE-USE PLASTICS’ A STITCH IN TIME: As the ‘Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastics Policy’ comes into effect from today, it is time for all residents, visitors and owners of retail business establishments to comply with this new rule in the long-term interest of all of us who inhabit this planet and future generations as well. Single-use plastic id one of the largest sources of environment pollution. Apart from polluting the earth, it can cause mortal damage to wildlife through ingestion of plastic material. That is why the implementation of ‘Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastics Policy’ is an extremely timely step -- one that shows how much the UAE cares for the future of all life and living beings on Earth. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

UAE INVESTORS AND DEAL FLOWS IN SPARKLING FORM: What’s common to a Swiss jewellry retailer and a trade finance focussed digital bank? Both of them have new owners, and both from the UAE. Sure, in the case of the latter, the Anglo-Gulf Trade Bank was bought by Gulf Islamic Investments (GII) from another UAE entity, Mubadala. Moreover, GII is just coming off a major deal in Saudi Arabia for a dental care clinic operator. With the Swiss jeweller, de Grisogono, the new owner is Hussain Sajwani, more known for his varied interests in real estate. Looking at the wider picture, it shows that the deal-making scene in the UAE and Gulf has, if anything, kicked up a gear or two. High oil, steady climb in inward investments and higher growth chances despite inflation are all fuelling this investment spree, whether it is digital plays or more about traditional investments. In addition, for anyone wanting a wider landscape, there are the IPOs – just look at the Borouge subscription numbers for confirmation. [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

NADAL BEATS DJOKOVIC IN FRENCH OPEN EPIC: Fifth seed Rafael Nadal beat world number one Novak Djokovic in a late-night thriller at the French Open to book a spot in the semi-final. The Spaniard, who is going for a 14th title, won 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6 (7-4) in a match watched by a 15,000-capacity crowd that lasted over four hours. The 35-year-old has now extended his all-time record on the Roland Garros clay to 110 wins in 113 matches and by sealing victory in the 59th clash against the Serb he has also reduced the gap between them in the head-to-head to 30-29. “Nadal showed why he is a great champion and stayed mentally tough. No doubt he deserves it,” said Djokovic. Nadal played down the triumph by saying, “It's just a quarterfinals match. So I didn’t win anything.” The 21-time Grand Slam winner, who has been battling a foot and back injury, now faces third seed Alexander Zverev on Friday. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

BIDDING GOODBYE TO THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR CHILDHOOD: It was in 1999, while packing up my life as a student in the US, when I first heard those soulful chords of ‘Pyar Ke Pal’ with KK’s powerful voice crooning about those memories that will be forever cherished even if we fade away. That song, coupled with ‘Yaaron’, KK’s ode to everlasting bonds forged during those formative years, soon became a mantra of sorts for young dreamers far and wide, poised at the threshold of letting go of their childhood and embracing life’s many adventures. As decades passed and KK embraced the juggernaut that is Bollywood by becoming a playback singer, his cult followers continued to cherish those early years of his career. Reading the news about his tragic death last evening following a live performance in Kolkata has sent shockwaves through the film and music fraternities where KK was well respected and cherished. For fans such as myself though, his loss comes as a painful parting with the soundtrack of my teenage years. All that we can say now is Rest in Power KK. Your music will forever cherished even if we fade away. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]