From the Editors: New personal status law in UAE for non-Muslims a landmark legislation

LANDMARK LEGISLATION IN UAE: The introduction of a new Personal Status Law for non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi is a milestone development in the government’s efforts to ensure the well-being of all residents. The law is not just a first for the UAE and the region, but globally too, as it seeks to cover the minutest details of non-Muslims’ family life and help resolve any issues therein. Besides marriage, divorce and child custody, the law also addresses inheritance issues and proof of paternity for non-Muslims. What’s more, all procedures of the new court involved will be bilingual (Arabic and English) to facilitate better understanding of the judicial procedures. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

HUNGER IN THIS ERA OF GLOBAL PLENTY IS A STAIN ON HUMANITY: The World Food Programme, the UN’s food agency, has said 45 million people in 43 countries are on the verge of famine, with “acute hunger” on the rise globally. For instance, 3 million people in Afghanistan - almost 10 per cent of the country’s population - face famine. The advent of COVID-19 has made matters worse, with job losses and supply chain issues. However, even before the pandemic, things were desperate for the world’s poorest. While thousands of tons of edible food goes to the garbage bin in rich nations each day, many of the poorest in the world are struggling to avert starvation. This should trouble the conscience of every right thinking person. This is a shameful indictment of us as humans. World leaders need to find a way of ensuring that no one on earth goes to bed empty stomach. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

FORMULA ONE: VERSTAPPEN EXTENDS TITLE LEAD OVER HAMILTON: Following a dominant drive at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen now finds himself 19 points ahead of his title rival Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes. The Belgian-Dutch driver is in a commanding position with only four races left of the season and will fancy his chances of securing the World Championship. It was Verstappen's ninth win in 2021 but there are still 107 points remaining so it is definitely not done and dusted just yet. Next weekend will a continuation of the Americas theme as Formula One moves to Sao Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix. Verstappen won the last time the race was held at the historic Interlagos circuit in 2019 and will be the favourite again but Britain’s Hamilton will have to produce the goods if he is to remain in contention for the title.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

A VOICE THAT WILL LIVE ON FOREVER: Terence Wilson, the former vocalist and founding member of British reggae group UB40, has died at the age of 64 after a short illness. The star — who went by the stage name Astro — was known for singing on the hit tracks like ‘Red Red Wine’ and ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’. “We are absolutely devastated and completely heartbroken to have to tell you that our beloved Astro has today passed away after a very short illness,” his current band tweeted. “The world will never be the same without him.” This tragedy is one that his family and fans will feel deeply, however the ubiquitousness of UB40’s music and Wilson’s distinctive voice mean his memory will live on forever through the tunes we all love. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]