From the editors: Dubai celebrates 11 years of metro

DUBAI METRO TURNS 11: When Dubai launched its plan for a metro rail system, scarcely would one believed that a city famous for its ultra luxury cars and lifestyle would adapt to this public transport system. Yet, the Metro has become the lifeline of the city over the past 11 years, amply justifying the country’s leadership’s vision. During this time, a staggering 1.7 billion people have taken the Metro. The system continues to expand, with the new route linking the Dubai Expo 2020 site. More and more commuters are likely to hop on the Metro over the years. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

SAVE NATURE TO SAVE OURSELVES: As mankind fights COVID-19, a new report has thrown light on the rampant destruction of wildlife, with global animal, bird and fish populations plummeting more than two-thirds in less than 50 years. Deforestation and agricultural expansion severely degraded three-fourths of all land and 40 per cent of Earth's oceans, experts said. Continued natural habitat loss increases the risk of future pandemics as humans expand their presence into closer contact with wild animals. It is time to sit up and take note of the global consumption of natural resources. We need to save nature in order to save ourselves. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

GONE IN 48 HOURS: If enough developers can convince what they are offering is the right value for these troubled times, then Dubai’s property market can plan its way towards a quicker recovery. But buyers and investors need to be convinced they are getting the real deal… and not some version of a raw deal. If they are convinced, they are willing to sign up… as evidenced by the 300 units sold at a residential community earlier this week. That’s not the key takeaway – that the developer managed a sold out in 48 hours is what should matter. Why? Because at the price points on offer, Dh1.2 million and over for three- and four-bedroom units set within a lot of green and water bodies, buyers felt they are being served value. Value will sell… value-adds even more so. Even with a pandemic around. [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

There is just no limit to Serena Williams’ tenacity after the American once again defied the odds to claw her way into the US Open semi-finals. The veteran tennis star will now meet another seasoned pro in Victoria Azarenka after coming back from a set down to beat unseeded Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova and keep alive her bid for a 24th singles Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows. Next up is Azarenka in a battle to find out whom is Mother Superior as both are hunting their first Grand Slam since becoming parents. [COMMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

REALITY OF FILMING DURING PANDEMIC: Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan has posted pictures from the set of his long-running quiz show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, and it’s like a scene from a dystopic sci-fi movie. There are crew members in full PPE attending to the 77-year-old star, who recently recovered from the novel coronavirus. It can be asked if the cine icon should be taking such a risk considering his recent brush with the virus and his age. Despite everything, the actor seems pumped about returning to work and has constantly reiterated the importance of being safe. The show must go on. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]