From the Editors: Residency for retired expats in UAE a reassuring move

RESIDENCY FOR RETIRED EXPATS A REASSURING MOVE: The UAE Cabinet’s approval of residency for retired expats is being widely welcomed by long-standing senior residents as it allows them to stay on in a country that they have come to call home. The eligibility criteria – which includes owning a property worth at least Dh1 million, or having a bank deposit of an equivalent amount, or drawing an active income of Dh180,000 per year - ensures that those who wish to continue living here can afford to do so. The move is also reassuring for deep-rooted families, fostering a strong bonding between the generations as they stay together, provided they meet the stipulated requirements. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

AMERICA REMAINS A STATE OF INSTITUTIONS: Following the Capitol riots of January 6, there has been a flurry of investigations and cases against those involved. A congressional committee probing the riots, which shocked the nation and left at least five people dead, had sought access to some of the Trump White House’s records, which the ex-president had tried to keep secret by seeking to invoke executive privilege. But a judge has ruled the committee can access some of those records. Whatever the merits of the case, one thing has been made clear on many occasions. A few hiccups notwithstanding, the United States remains a nation with strong institutions, and the only thing really governing the country is its constitution. The judiciary remains fully independent, as do other state institutions, serving as a counter-balance to executive power. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

ICC T20 WORLD CUP: KIWIS SEEK POETIC JUSTICE AGAINST ENGLAND: The last time England and New Zealand clashed in the knockout stages of a ICC white ball tournament, it produced a memorable final in the 2019 50-overs World Cup. While England had the last laugh on the occasion on a countback of boundaries rule, New Zealand will be eager to secure poetic justice when they meet again in the semi-final of T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi this evening. England may start as favourites on paper, but their skipper Eoin Morgan will be wary of Kane Williamson’s side’s ability to pull the rug from under the opponents’ feet with some smart cricket. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

GETTING FIT AND HIT Hollywood actor Will Smith has pushed the limits of his mind and body in order to climb all the way up the iconic building, the Burj Khalifa. The celebrity has been on a fitness kick for a while, and this was one way for him to shed the kilos and gain confidence in his abilities. While not everyone needs to achieve this particular feat, there are other ways to connect with your fitness and life goals — especially during the Dubai Fitness Challenge that runs until November 27. There are loads of options in the city to get active and feel better. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]