From the Editors: Dubai Economy moves to protect customers

DUBAI ECONOMY MOVES TO PROTECT CUSTOMERS: Dubai Economy’s move to protect customers visiting the shopping mall from the ‘annoying salespersons’ is a good initiative. The Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) Department at the Dubai Economy has closed down at least 10 shops and also issued 91 fines and 96 warnings to violators across various shopping malls, while an additional four fines and nine warnings were issued in the open markets for ‘interrupting consumers and forcing them to buy products” as part of their promotional campaigns. Dubai Economy also encourages the public to report “annoying” promotional activities in the markets. This is indeed a timely move to protect customers’ rights as it has really become very difficult to avoid ‘annoying’ salespersons especially at the kiosks in the malls walkways. (COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

STABILITY SHOULD BE RESTORED IN SUDAN: After weeks of tensions between military and civilian figures who shared power since the April 2019 ouster of autocrat Omar Al Bashir, armed forces detained Sudan’s prime minister on Monday. Civilian members of Sudan’s ruling council and ministers in Abdullah Hamdok’s transitional government were also detained. Dozens of demonstrators set car tyres on fire In Khartoum to protest against the detentions. A pariah in the West under Omar Al Bashir, the US in December rescinded Sudan’s almost three-decade designation as a state sponsor of terror. The country also secured IMF funding and a pledge by the Paris Club of creditors to restructure $23.5 billion of its debt. An American official warned any changes to the transitional government by force puts at risk US assistance. The crisis now threatens that economic and political rehabilitation. The earlier stability is restored the better for the country that is now facing the worst and most dangerous crisis. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor]

THERE WILL BE REPERCUSSIONS AFTER EMBARRASSING DEFEAT: It was the last result anyone in their right minds would have predicted. A totally one sided affair – one team totally dominant and classy from start to finish playing against another who were a sad and pathetic sight unable to do anything right in comparison. Indeed, Liverpool’s 5-0 win over Man Utd speaks volumes about how far the Old Trafford club have fallen under the management of former player Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. Before the match, he was under immense pressure with many suggesting only a win would keep him at the helm - but following this thrashing in front of the club’s own fans, action now must surely be taken. This defeat was embarrassing and Man Utd – who backed the manager and brought in expensive summer recruits – now find themselves in a real mess. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

‘FRIENDS’ AND FANS BID FAREWELL TO TELEVISION’S GUNTHER: James Michael Tyler may not have been one of the six ‘Friends’ that headlined the hit sitcom across its 10-year run, but he certainly qualified as the seventh friend on the show. Tyler, who played the awkward barista guy at Central Perk in more than 150 episodes of ‘Friends’, died Sunday following a battle with prostate cancer. Tyler was last seen sending a sweet video message to the gang during this year’s ‘Friends’ reunion special and the love was equally shared in the touching tributes posted by Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow as news of his death broke. While the stars mourned his loss, so did millions of fans across the world who will now relive his memory through the many reruns of ‘Friends’. Rest in peace Mr Tyler, while we raise a coffee in your honour. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]