From the Editors: RAK embraces innovation

EMBRACING INNOVATION: The launch of the Shaheen system by the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority to monitor the stress and fatigue levels of motorists through AI-driven cameras once again demonstrates the limitless possibilities that technology can throw up to help us achieve wonders. It is equally creditable that the authorities here in the UAE constantly embrace innovation to raise the bar and improve our day-to-day lives. It’s not just about new technologies, it’s also about the willingness to adopt them. The new cameras, which can issue timely alerts to drivers, will surely ensure greater road safety. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

IRAQ DESERVES PRAISE FOR EFFORTS TO HOST POPE: Iraq, to put it mildly, has been riven by problems of every nature for decades. The security situation remains delicate as ever, low prices have decimated the economy, and there have been violent protests across Iraq in the past year. Add to all this, COVID-19 is raging, with around 4,000 new cases registered daily in the country of 40 million. No vaccination drive has yet been launched in Iraq, though the pope and his entourage have been vaccinated. Despite all this, the Iraqi spirit of welcoming guests remains alive. Baghdad is being tidied up, with new church bells replacing old ones, new power lines, and colourful banners welcoming the pope. It is the famous Iraqi generosity on display once again. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

NOT THE TIME TO BE LAX IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19: WHO’s latest figures on the spread of COVID-19 are worrying. Global cases of the coronavirus rose over the past week for the first time in two months. The reasons: people are letting their guard down, countries are easing restrictions and variants are spreading. All this is happening at a time when countries are making all efforts to vaccinate their populations. Being lax at this crucial juncture could result in more deaths that can be avoided. We cannot do much about the variants, but we can take care of our own health by following the necessary protocols. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, AUSSIES WILL BE ROOTING FOR ENGLAND: Yes, you have read it correctly. Australia’s cricketers will be actually rooting for Joe Root’s team when England take on India the fourth and final Test against India from Thursday. An England win in Ahmedabad would put Australia in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) against New Zealand, knocking India out of the running. ‘’Bit of self-interest there, isn’t it, for us following England for the first time in a long time,’’ Australia coach Andrew McDonald told reporters in Wellington, where their team is involved in a T20 series against New Zealand. England’s hopes of playing the WTC final were crushed with their 10-wicket defeat inside two days in an extraordinary third Test in Ahmedabad and they now trail the series 2-1. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: Indian rapper Divine, who served as the inspiration for the hit Bollywood movie ‘Gully Boy’, is in the UAE to film the music video of his latest song. He’s one of many global stars who have picked the country, and the city of Dubai, as a filming location. Whether it’s the modern architecture that makes it a perfect backdrop, or the safety protocols in the place, it’s no surprise why so many projects chose the UAE to film in. The show must go on, and it’s great to see it taking place right in the city we call home. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]