From the Editors: UAE is a land of amazing success stories

UAE IS A LAND OF AMAZING SUCCESS STORIES: The number of success stories that are coming out on the occasion of the UAE Golden Jubilee are amazing. From those who rose from rags to riches to those who furthered their fortunes; from those who ventured here many years ago to those who came in more recently; from those who were natives to those who came from far and near – there is a diverse mix of people who credit the UAE for their phenomenal success in an equally diverse range of sectors. As each story bears out, this is a land that dares people to dream, and ensures they can turn those dreams into reality. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

KURDISH, IRAQI FORCES MUST COORDINATE TO STOP DAESH ATTACKS: Northern Iraq is witnessing a rise in Daesh militant attacks. Two days after killing 13 people, including three villagers and 10 Kurdish soldiers in the Makhmour region, the group on Sunday claimed the lives of four Peshmerga soldiers and a civilian in an attack near Qara Salem village. What’s more disturbing is that the militant group also took over Luhaiban village. It is a rare incident of militants controlling a residential area near a main road, a highway that links Arbil to the city of Kirkuk. There should be greater security cooperation between the autonomous region of Kurdistan and Iraqi security forces to stop militant activities.[COMMENT BY: Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor]

FIRST SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX FULL OF AMAZING TWISTS AND TURNS: The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix which was won by Lewis Hamilton last night is being hailed as one of the greatest ever races in Formula 1 history. The Brit beat title rival Max Verstappen in a chaotic and controversial race to go joint top with the Dutchman in the standings. That means it will be winner takes all in the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi next weekend. Yesterday’s race had several incredible moments - including a huge Mick Schumacher crash - and even had to be stopped two times. The advantage swung wildly between the title contenders - and Hamilton even crashed into the back of Verstappen at one point - but it all ended with them tied on points with one race remaining. Abu Dhabi will give us the winner but it’s hard to imagine it will give us a race an incredible as Saudi Arabia. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

SUCCESS OF ‘AL KAMEEN’ IS A VICTORY FOR EMIRATI CINEMA: Two weeks into its release and ‘Al Kameen’ continues its reign at the UAE box office, toppling Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘Ghostbusters: From Beyond’ and ‘House of Gucci’ to come in at second place, just shy of Mohanlal’s ‘Marakkar: Lion of the Arabian Sea’. With 400 cast and crew members involved in the filming of the action thriller that was shot entirely in the UAE, the success of ‘Al Kameen’ is not just a victory for the production house but for Emirati cinema itself, which has come a long way in its journey to be recognised as a growing powerhouse. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]