From the Editors: More places of worship for Sharjah residents

MORE PLACES OF WORSHIP FOR SHARJAH RESIDENTS: The opening of seven new mosques in Sharjah is very welcome. The construction of the mosques, which has been timely, will provide residents access to more places of worship during Ramadan. The structures, while being modern, have also incorporated traditional Islamic design. Sharjah already showcases some the most magnificent architecture in the world. The new mosques will enrich this landscape further. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

DEWA’S STOCK MARKET APPEAL WILL TAKE IN ALL INVESTORS, INCLUDING FIRST-TIMERS: It’s here – after nearly four months of building up anticipation among investors, the DEWA IPO is ready to light up. By keeping the offer price at under Dh3 a share, Dubai and DEWA took the conscious decision to go big and wide with this landmark stock market float. And capture investor attention, not just among the ranks of those who know all the ins-and-outs of stock market investing, but those who want to give it a first shot. DEWA then is the first cross-generational IPO in Dubai. More power then to Dubai’s utility giant until April 2, which is when the offer closes to retail investors. [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

ENGLAND LOOKING GOOD IN WOMEN’S WORLD CUP: Defending Women’s World Cup champions England have moved a step closer to the semifinals of the tournament after sweeping past Pakistan in Christchurch. In an impressive performance on a green pitch England dismissed Pakistan for 105 runs before reaching the modest target inside 20 overs. Pace bowler Katherine Brunt had been struggling to find any rhythm in the tournament however grabbing a wicket in the very first ball of the match did her confidence the world of good. She went on to take 3 wickets for just 17 runs while Sophie Ecclestone also picked up 3. The left-arm spinner has now become the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. Danni Wyatt smashed 76 runs from 68 balls and her unbroken partnership of 87 with skipper Heather Knight meant England sealed a nine-wicket victory. They climb into the top 4 of the round-robin group and if they beat Bangladesh in Wellington on Sunday then they will definitely reach the semis. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

A CHANCE TO CATCH UP ON THE MOVIES: The Oscars are right around the corner (they air early on March 28 in the UAE), and this is the perfect time to catch up on some of the nominated acts that aren’t your typical popcorn blockbusters. ‘The Power of The Dog’, ‘Belfast’, ‘Don’t Look Up’, ‘CODA’ are just a few of the movies that are vying for awards and that boast unique stories everyone should experience. The best part is lots of these movies are even streaming online. Expand your movie horizons with complex tales that might even teach you something new about the world.[COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]