From the Editors: Abu Dhabi welcomes global talent

THRIVE IN ABU DHABI. Abu Dhabi’s launch of a special programme to attract global talent will have many takers. The city has much to offer in terms of its infrastructure and facilities, safety and security and quality of life. Several priority sectors have been identified in order to grant long-term visas. This is a huge step as talented individuals, students and investors will want to make the most of it and settle down in the emirate with their families. (COMMENT BY Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor)

VACCINE CENTRES SHUT DUE TO FREEZING WEATHER With temperatures plunging to their coldest levels in 25 years in Scotland and the country witnessing an ‘extreme freeze’, several COVID-19 vaccination clinics and drive-thru centres have been forced to close due to the dangerous icy conditions. Thousands of people will now need to reschedule their appointments while those yet to receive their first jab will have to wait a little longer. It’s freezing then but in a bizarre twist, Scottish firefighters have warned of a risk of wildfires across the Hebridean islands due to very dry and vulnerable winter vegetation along the western coastline. Nine flood warnings have also been issued and 88 flood alerts by the Environment Agency. Snow and ice are expected to remain causing possible power cuts too… It never rains but it pours…(COMMENT BY Imran Malik, Assistant Editor)

BRITNEY DESERVES BETTER. There have been new developments in singer Britney Spears’ case, where the court-ordered conservatorship she is under is negotiated. Her father Jamie Spears has for years controlled her finances and assets in an arrangement that is usually reserved for the old and sick. How did a grown woman end up having little to no control over her life? It’s a tragedy that Spears suffered years of media scrutiny when she was one of the biggest pop stars of her generation, and now is unable to enjoy the fruits of her labour as a 39-year-old. It’s no wonder her fans have been fiercely campaigning to #FreeBritney. (COMMENT BY Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features)

A ‘SIX PACK’ FOR BAYERN MUNICH. There was no twist to the tale as Bayern Munich kept their date with all six available titles within a year when they won the Fifa Club World Cup final in Qatar on Thursday with a 1-0 victory over Mexico’s Tigres. It’s what their prolific striker Robert Lewandowski referred to as their ‘six pack’ – emulating Barcelona’s feat in 2009. Hansi Flick’s men had already won the Champions League, Bundesliga, German Cup, Uefa Super Cup and German Super Cup last season. (COMMENT BY Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor)