From the editors: Dubai brings in a landmark retirement plan

DUBAI HAS ONCE AGAIN BLAZED A TRAIL: Opening its doors to the world as a retirement haven. The emirate now welcomes people of all nationalities to retire here, provided they meet any of three conditions - a monthly income of Dh20,000, a property worth Dh2 million or savings of Dh1 million. These measures will be highly appreciated in the expatriate community within the country, especially those in the second and third generations, for whom Dubai is home. Now this can be their home for life. Another feather in Dubai’s cap! [COMMENT by: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

FRESH TENSION OVER NAVALNY AND NOVICHOK: European leaders have expressed outrage after Germany revealed that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned with Novichok, the same type of Soviet-era nerve agent used in a 2018 attack on a former Russian spy. Navalny is still on ventilator support, although his condition is improving, the hospital has said. The findings have added to tensions between Russia and the West and will lead to claims and counter-claims over the next few weeks. And as for Novichok – newcomer, new boy or novice, as the translation goes – it is among the deadliest substances ever created by man. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

UNITED PLAY CATCH-UP IN TRANSFER WINDOW: After a few fairly quiet transfer windows, the Premier League teams are really loosening the purse strings in a bid to strengthen for the coming season, which begins in just over a week. After Manchester City got the ball rolling with big-money signings Ferran Torres and Nathan Ake, Chelsea splurged on Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva. While champions Liverpool have been fairly quiet, Manchester United are determined to closed the gap, and the signing of Donny van de Beek from Ajax showing they are determined to get back to the top of the table. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

JOB CREATION IS WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES: Even as UAE’s private businesses record some improvements in picking up new orders, it’s on the job situation where they and the wider economy could do with some cheer. The latest monthly update from IHS Markit point to more depressing stats on the pace of job losses in the private sector. No industry or sub-category is being spared, as businesses try to cut down on workforces to keep their costs in check. It’s an area that businesses and the authorities will need to look into, once the demand side of things stabilizes. But there are no quick fixes around for this problem… [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

ANOTHER STAB AT CELEBIRTY: Want-to-be-powerhouse couple Harry and Megan are sliding into the business of streaming with a multi-year Netflix deal. It has taken some work at their end. Since ‘consciously uncoupling’ from the royal family, they moved to Canada and then to LA – one reason given was the hounding of (unkind) press. Seems strange then they settled into the heartland of the paparazzi – until you take into account that with famous neighbours like Oprah and Ellen DeGeneres, it’s perfect for networking and building up their brand. May the (almost) royal drama live on. [COMMENT BY: Karishma H. Nandkeolyar, Assistant Editor Online]