From the Editors: Dubai property market’s rental dynamics are changing

DUBAI PROPERTY MARKET TILTS TOWARDS TENANTS: If more Dubai’s tenants decide to renew rather than look at new rental options, landlords of new apartments and villas will be in a spot of bother. Because real estate agencies are talking about a slowdown in leasing as potential tenants baulk at 20-30 per cent rent hikes. Market analysts say rents (and property prices) are still a long way off from 2014 peaks, but that won’t comfort prospective tenants since they are not just grappling with rental inflation. When residents are juggling with rising commodity prices, , some leeway on rents would help. And in a market where demand keeps rising, landlords would not want their properties remaining empty. This is not a re-run of 2014. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

NOTHING ESCAPES EYES OF UAE CUSTOMS INSPECTORS: Two huge drug hauls announced by the Abu Dhabi and Dubai customs authorities on Tuesday demonstrate again their expertise and efficiency in identifying suspicious passengers and their baggage, to unearth illegal substances. The swiftness with which the customs inspectors act without causing disruption at the airports is remarkable. There is nothing that can escape their eye, no matter how cleverly the smuggled substances are hidden. A big salute to them. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

NURTURE NATURE FOR A HEALTHY LIFE: What is the link between climate hazards and infectious diseases? Plenty, according to a new study. Infectious diseases in people, including malaria, cholera and anthrax, have been worsened due to flooding, heatwaves and drought, researchers say. The connection between disease and weather has long been known, but this study has shown the widespread influence of climate on human health. Extreme weather has played havoc around the world in recent times and much of it has been attributed to global warming. That's where our role comes in. Taking care of nature will help us live better and healthier lives. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

BRITNEY SPEARS DESERVES A COMEBACK STORY: Pop icon Britney Spears is making her big music comeback with a collaboration with another icon — Elton John. The two are set to release a duet soon. After the year that Spears has had — her legal battle with her father, a public feud with her sister, a miscarriage and a wedding — the singer is itching to get back to her craft. Spears deserves to have her moment in the spotlight once more, on her own terms. And it being a song with John is the icing on the cake. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor)

WILLIAMS WILL WANT TO GO OUT ON A HIGH: Serena Williams says she will be “evolving away” from tennis after the US Open to focus on other things and the sport sure will miss her when she hangs up her racquet. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion chose not to use the word “retirement” in an Instagram post saying that she does not like that term. But the 40-year-old, who made her singles return at Wimbledon in June, said the “the countdown has begun”. She would dearly love to equal the all-time record of 24 titles but will need to be at her absolute best when the US Open starts later this month. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Editor)