From the Editors: Tourists, residents thrilled with resumption of UAE tourist visas

TOURISTS, RESIDENTS THRILLED WITH RESUMPTION OF TOURIST VISAS: The long-awaited resumption of tourist visas by the UAE is a very welcome move as it’s not only the tourists who are thrilled, but also residents who can now host their relatives and friends like old times. It is a wise decision to allow only fully vaccinated people to come in from abroad, with only World Health Organisation-approved vaccines being considered. The entry rules also require visitors to do a mandatory rapid PCR test at the airport. These precautionary protocols will help check the infiltration of the coronavirus and ensure the painstaking efforts to combat the pandemic within the UAE are not hampered [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

BAGHDAD CONFERENCE AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARDS REGIONAL STABILITY: At the Baghdad conference hosted by Iraq on Saturday, leaders and ministers from region’s nine nations, along with France discussed efforts to eliminate the threat of Daesh. On the sidelines, however, there were noteworthy meetings held — between the UAE and Qatar, and UAE and Iran. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, wished success for Iran in developing positive relations with neighbouring countries. In a series of tweets, Sheikh Mohammed also hailed Iraq’s capital: “Baghdad’s return to play its regional and global role heralds a new chapter of civilisation. A big salute to Baghdad, the land of Al Mansour and Al Rasheed.. the land of knowledge, determination and wisdom.. A big salute to Baghdad and all beautiful Arab countries.” Meetings like these will further strengthen the bonds between regional leaders and help increase security and stability in Iraq and the region at large. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor]

ENGLAND SEAL HUGE WIN AGAINST INDIA IN THIRD TEST AT HEADINGLEY: Between two Tests the fortunes of England and India have reversed, and dramatically so. In the second Test at Lord’s, the home side were beaten on the final day but in the third at Headingley, they played the perfect match to win by an innings and 76 runs. England’s Ollie Robinson was brilliant with the ball while with the bat they forged some strong partnerships. But what happened to India? They were a shadow of the team we had seen earlier. Bowled out for just 78 on the first day, they had no way back after that. However, with the five-match series level at 1-1 and two Tests remaining, there is still all to play for.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

HOW DUBAI HAS BECOME A CHAMPION FOR POP CULTURE: Years ago when Dubai hosted its first Middle East Film & Comic Con, the annual pop culture event became a benchmark in the region. Having hosted celebrity names such as Jason Momoa, William Shatner, Zachary Levi, Gillian Anderson and the late Stan Lee via video link, it was only a matter of time that Dubai would aim for something better. POPC Live!, which was announced earlier today, is being touted as region’s biggest pop culture festival that will take place across five days in March 2022 in Dubai. The event will give a platform to lovers of comics, gaming, eSports, along with creating a meeting ground for YouTubers. What the event actually does is give voice to a creative community that is packed with talent and innovation. It’s about time they are heard. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]