From the Editors: More time to enjoy, shop at the malls in Dubai

MORE TIME TO ENJOY, SHOP AT THE MALLS: The extension of timings for mall visitors in Dubai during Ramadan is a welcome move. Keeping the festivities going for longer hours into the night gives residents and tourists more time to spend at these destinations with their families and friends. They can make the most of the extended hours to shop as well. There are many attractive discounts and promotions too. With Eid just round the corner, these offers will come in very handy. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

UAE PROPERTY’S GROWTH STORY-THE SEQUEL: The latest changes to the UAE’s Golden Visa eligibility criteria is about creating opportunities – to expand the country’s resident base, bring in fresh inflow of global talent and entrepreneurs, and keep the growth ticking along. At the same time, the reform – especially the one that lowers the minimum investment level for a Golden Visa to Dh2 million plus from Dh10 million – is about setting the stage for another round of charged growth for the property market. After that heady run in 2021, UAE’s property market needed a fresh shot of adrenaline – the Dh2 million plus threshold does that in spades. It’s about keeping the new wave of overseas investors and residents for keeps. That’s exactly what the UAE wants. [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

IS MAN UNITED’ SIX YEARS’ BEHIND LIVERPOOL? Ralf Rangnick, Manchester United’s interim manager, slammed his team when he said the Red Devils were ‘six years’ behind Liverpool after being blown away in a 4-0 defeat at Anfield on Tuesday. It was almost a deja vu of the 5-0 rout which Jurgen Klopp’s men handed out to United in October as the Reds exposed the massive gulf between the sides with Mohamed Salah scoring twice and Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane also on target. The drubbing will aggravate a sense of despondency among the United fans as Rangnick, who will step down at the end of the season, called it ‘embarrassing, disappointing, maybe even humiliating.’ [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

JOHNNY DEPP-AMBER HEARD CASE KEEPS EVOLVING: Actor Johnny Depp has taken ex-wife Amber Heard to court for defamation and has said that her “heinous and disturbing” allegations of domestic abuse were “not based in any species of truth”. The legal battle between the two Hollywood stars has been raging for many years and has reveals the dark sides of their former relationship. As the case progresses, however, it’s clear that neither party is totally innocent and that abuse can be perpetuated by any genger and in many different forms.[COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]