From the Editors: Thank you UAE

THANK YOU UAE: The UAE”s golden jubilee today is indeed a momentous occasion as it gives both citizens and expatriates so many reasons to rejoice. As residents mark the landmark day in different ways, the one thing that resonates strongly amid the celebrations is their sense of gratitude for a country that has given them so much. The UAE offers the best of what the world can possibly provide in a safe and secure environment, which is its USP. This is something that every resident deeply cherishes while thanking and wishing the leadership and the country the very best always. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

OMICRON HIGHLIGHTS NEEDS TO CONTINUE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS: A few cases of the Omicron strain of COVID-19 are popping up in countries from the US to North Korea. In America, the White House is scheduled to make a formal announcement on Thursday about stricter measures that will be put in place, especially for international visitors. But there is absolutely no sign that the US will close its borders. Most countries have acted with caution, and common-sense measures to the new variant. This is reasonable, given that there still needs to be more information out about exactly how dangerous this strain of coronavirus is and how it spreads. Financial markets from Japan to Australia have been shaken by the uncertainty causes by Omicron. For now, it appears that the right thing to do is to take all precautions and wait for more details on this new variant from institutions like the World Health Organisation. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International editor]

WTA SUSPENDS TOURNAMENTS IN CHINA OVER PENG SHUAI DISAPPEARANCE: Following the disappearance of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, the Women’s Tennis Association has now suspended all tournaments in China amid concern for her safety. The suspension also includes tournaments in Hong Kong. 35-year-old Peng disappeared from the public eye three weeks ago after she accused former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault. “In good conscience, I don’t see how I can ask our athletes to compete there,” said WTA chief Steve Simon who has repeatedly called for a full investigation into Peng’s claims. Simon added he was “greatly concerned” about the risks players and staff could face if events were held in China in 2022. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

A GRAND WEEKEND OF EVENTS: There’s a lot to celebrate in the UAE; it’s the country’s 50th National Day and people here are rejoicing over its achievements and more. For those who love live events, this weekend will also showcase how the UAE is the go-to place for so many artists to perform. Danish group Michael Learns to Rock, Filipino singers Bamboo and Moire Dela Torre are just some of the artists who are returning to Dubai for concerts and have been here multiple times. It’s a favoured place for them to set up performance and see their global fans. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]