From the Editors: New weekend vibes at Expo 2020 Dubai

NEW WEEKEND VIBES: It’s already the second weekend after Expo 2020 Dubai began, and residents have a whole range of options to explore in Dubai. The city has never been short of attractions, both indoor and outdoor, when it comes to entertainment. The extraordinary array of pavilions and their wide variety of activities at the Expo have only added to this extensive menu, giving us so much new ground to cover. With seasonal passes, we can hope to spend quite a few weekends with family and friends at this all-new venue over the next six months. It’s time to unwind and enjoy the Expo. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

A NEW WEAPON IN THE FIGHT AGAINST MALARIA IS GOOD NEWS TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD. The new vaccine by GlaxoSmithKline and approved by WHO will save tens of thousands of children every year. The vaccine is expected to boost a child's immune system to thwart Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest of five malaria pathogens and the most prevalent in Africa. Malaria may be rare in the developed world, but in many other countries, severe malaria accounts for up to half of deaths. A modeling study last year estimated that if the vaccine were rolled out to countries with the highest incidence of malaria, it could prevent 5.4 million cases and 23,000 deaths in children younger than 5 each year. The vaccine has taken a long time to come, but this is a case of better late than never. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

MEET GAVI, THE BOY COULD BE KING IN SPANISH FOOTBALL: Gavi, the teenager who broke a long-standing record to become Spain’s youngest ever player as they beat Italy 2-1 in Nations League on Wednesday, became the toast of European football. Coach Luis Enrique said that Gavi is Spain's ‘future and present’ as the 17-year-old took the field at San Siro as they ended the Azzurri's world record 37-match unbeaten run. He showed composure alongside Barca teammate Sergio Busquets and Enrique is convinced not only that he has a long future with La Roja, but that he can slot in right now. ‘’He’s a player who can play between the lines, doesn’t lose ball, has good technique, and is physical,’’ Enrique said later. Gavi broke the record held by Angel Zubieta Redondo, who donned the Spain jersey for the first time in a 1936 friendly against Czechoslovakia when 17 years and 284 days old.[ COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

POSITIVE CHANGES ARE COMING FOR FILMS: Indian actors Prithviraj, Mamta Mohandas and Unnimukundan took to the podium at a cinema in Dubai for the world premiere of their upcoming movie ‘Bhramam’, releasing in the UAE today. Famed actor Madhavan was also in attendance to support his friend. Overall, the celebrities were exciting and optimistic about the future of movie releases and a return of grandeur to the launch process. Even the newest Bond movie ‘No Time To Die’ had a glitzy red carpet premiere in the UK. The movie industry will certainly get back to normal soon. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]