From the Editors: Sharjah is on the road to normality

ON THE ROAD TO NORMALITY: As Sharjah’s Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management issued updates in its COVID-19 protocols yesterday, the clear-cut dos and don’ts for people attending social gatherings left no scope for confusion. It is worth noting that the capacity for home parties has been increased to 50 people, but with a strict 4 metre social distance being maintained between participants. Also, the need to be vaccinated with an activated green pass system on the Al Hosn App ensures there is no ambiguity and those attending the party are adequately protected. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

OVER US-AUSTRALIA DEAL, FRANCE MUST BITE THE BULLET: In a highly unusual move, France has called back its ambassadors from the US and Australia, furious over the loss of a multi-billion dollar submarine deal with Canberra. Australia had cancelled conventional submarines agreement with France in favour of US nuclear-powered subs. France has also called off defence talks with UK, given that Britain is also part of the deal. But, what does France hope to achieve? Apart from venting its anger, there seems little that Paris can do about this. It has not seen any support for its case from other major Western nations. Germany, for instance, is hardly bothered. The only real option for Paris, it seems, is to bite the bullet - and avoid isolation among allies.[COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

FIRST MATCH OF IPL IN UAE PROVES TO BE A DRAMATIC AFFAIR: The Indian Premier League has restarted here in the United Arab Emirates after it was postponed in May following a surge of COVID-19 cases in India and the first game back last night was a real thriller. Chennai Super Kings, captained by India legend MS Dhoni, staged a superb fightback to beat the defending champions Mumbai Indians. Chennai had been reduced to 24-4 but the ship was steadied thanks to opener Ruturaj Gaikwad who got an innings of 88 not out from 58 balls. It helped them to reach 156-6 and Mumbai could only post 136-8 to give Chennai a 20 run win. It was CSK’s sixth win from eight games and the result sees them join Delhi Capitals at the top of the table. There are 30 more matches to come and if they’re all as exciting as last night’s then cricket fans in the UAE will be licking their lips in anticipation. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

THE POWER OF STREAMING PLATFORMS: While this year’s Emmys may have drawn criticism for its lack of diversity in wins – only two Black artists made the cut – the glittering awards ceremony heralded a new era for streaming platforms. In a first, Netflix overthrew HBO with its haul of 44 Emmy awards this year, combining the Primetime Awards and the Creative Arts Emmys collected during ceremonies last weekend. It’s the first time Netflix has brought home the most Emmy wins since the company's programming was first nominated in 2013. While HBO is looking ahead with its own streaming platform, HBO Max, certain to make waves in future, it is safe to say that the pandemic and the changing trends in the consumption of entertainment has changed the game for networks forever.[COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]