From the Editors: Abu Dhabi's initiatives had 'remarkable' effect on mental well-being

ABU DHABI SECURING MENTAL WELLBEING OF SENIORS A SIGNIFICANT SOCIAL INDICATOR: A recent research paper by the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi revealed that the emirate fared quite well in tackling the impact of COVID-19 on the mental and physical wellbeing of the older population. Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the research said various programmes undertaken by government agencies over the past years had a very positive effect on the mental health of individuals. The study also revealed that older adults acknowledged the contribution of virtual technology in enhancing their quality of life. The research results have been declared at a very opportune moment when the whole world is still grappling with the pandemic and its associated complications. Right from the beginning of the pandemic, the UAE has been an exemplar of sorts in dealing with this crisis. Right from adopting and executing strict COVID-19 protocols to ensuring speedy and effective testing of the population and administering of vaccine doses and now the booster shots, UAE has done everything necessary to keep its community members safe and secure. Safeguarding the mental health and wellbeing of senior citizens is in keeping with that benchmark in the field of health care and social security. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF REPORT ALARMING SIGN FOR JOHNSON: The British public is waiting for an updated report to be published by Sue Gray, a senior bureaucrat, on the parties held or attended by Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the peak COVID-19 lockdown, when the rest of the country was told to stay home. But already, Gray has concluded that there was a breaking of rules at the top of government during the lockdown days. So, at the least, the PM's original defence - that all guidelines had been followed - falls flat. The preliminary conclusions of Gray must come as an alarming development for Johnson, whose political career is on the line. Many of his own party allies are speaking out against him. The full report will be out after the police complete their enquiries but the omens don't look too good for the PM. However, he will take heart in the fact that he still has political allies who seem determined to help him retain his post.[COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

CLUBS SPEND BIG TO GET SEASON BACK ON TRACK: A total of £295 million was spent by English Premier League football clubs during the month of January making it the second- highest in the history of the winter transfer window. It appears that they have recovered from the effects the pandemic had on finances as in comparison to the 2021 January transfer window just £70 million was spent. The record was set in 2018 when £430 million exchanged hands. This time, several teams splashed the cash and brought in new recruits in a bid to get their season going again and now it will be up to the new signings to hit the ground running and help improve the fortunes of their new employers. The combined spend of Europe’s other top four leagues in Italy, Spain, Germany and France was £317 million. It proves the Premier League still leads the way and retains its status as the world’s biggest domestic football league in terms of finance and most importantly excitement and drama. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

RIHANNA’S STAR KEEPS RISING: Amid the doom and gloom that surrounds us, there’s some news to be happy about in the world of entertainment — pop singer Rihanna is expecting her first child with her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky. If there’s one celebrity who has been doing it all for the past few years, it’s Rihanna. She’s an nine time Grammy-winning musician, a fashion mogul (an Abu Dhabi-based company just invested Dh92 million in her Savage X Fenty line) and the founder of a successful beauty brand. Last year she was declared a National Hero of Barbados, the country where she’s from. Rihanna has built her career with her talent and genius, and she’ll likely ace this new phase of life as well.[COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]