From the Editors: Dubai continues to be the preferred destination for higher studies

DUBAI CONTINUES TO BE A PREFERRED DESTINATION FOR HIGHER STUDIES: International higher education institutions in Dubai reported a significant growth in student numbers. This was revealed in a new data released by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). According to KHDA figures, Dubai’s international higher education institutions reported annual enrolment growth of 3.6 per cent, with more than 29,000 students currently enrolled under various university programmes in the emirate. This is particularly significant given the fact that higher-education institutions all over the world, in general, have noticed a slump in student intake in view of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years. From that point of view, if colleges and universities of global repute in Dubai have noticed an increase in student intake then it only goes to further establish Dubai’s position as a preferred destination for higher education and as a global hub for learning. Whether it is tourism, retail, real estate, health care or academics, the cutting-edge infrastructure and world-class public facilities that Dubai offers have helped this city earn a special place in the hearts of people the world over.[COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

KEEPING THE COSTS DOWN: Keeping inflationary pressures in check has become the latest priority for governments, with the fuel price surge upsetting even the most calibrated approach national authorities can take under the circumstances. So, how can governments take back control? They could start with the high seas, i.e., by getting the whole global supply chain side of things to pre-COVID-19 times. Those containers stuck at ports all over the world are not helping, more so as this has been the status quo since early 2020. More delays on container movements are only exacerbating price rises across the board, hurting consumers and businesses alike. Governments have done a good job of re-opening the skies after the pandemic – it’s time to put in a concerted effort on the seas too. Further delays will tell on costs all round… [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

WOODS CONSIDERING SENSATIONAL COMEBACK AT MASTERS: Having completed a practice round at Augusta, Tiger Woods has fueled speculation that he could be returning to action at the Masters next week. The former world number one suffered serious injuries on 23 February 2021 following a car accident in the outskirts of Los Angeles. Initially he was unable to walk and there were fears his leg would need to be amputated and that his career would subsequently be over. But, he has fought back and has been recovering well and even competed in a 36-hole PNC Championship partnering his 12-year-old son Charlie. The 46-year-old last won the Masters in 2019 and in total he has won the tournament five times. His arrival earlier this week at Augusta Regional Airport went viral on social media before walking 18 holes with his son and fellow PGA Tour pro Justin Thomas. Sources say that the 15-times major champion played every hole and that he looked to be in good shape sparking rumours he is set to return to competitive action. He has been named among 91 participants for next week’s event and it is believed he used his practice round as a fitness test. The hilly Augusta National course is one of the most demanding but it would be a massive boost for Woods - and for golf - to have him back for the first men’s major of the year. He has until next week to make his decision and if he does come back it would be a sensational return.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

A FINAL GOODBYE TO A BOLLYWOOD LEGEND: It’s bound to be a bittersweet moment for fans to watch Rishi Kapoor’s final movie nearly two years after his death. Kapoor was one of those rare talents in Bollywood that comes along once in a lifetime and leaves a mark that generations of actors could hope to imbibe but fail trying. ‘Sharmaji Namkeen’, which will release on Amazon Prime Video tomorrow, will see Kapoor doing what he was born to do, entertain through his immense talent that was cut short after a long battle with leukemia. And while Kapoor was never able to complete the film due to his illness, with Paresh Rawal stepping in to wrap up ‘Sharmaji Namkeen’, it will be wonderful to see the late actor come alive once again for his legion of fans.[COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]