From the Editors: UAE must aim for sustainable recovery

WE MUST ENSURE A SUSTAINABLE RECOVERY: The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee’s announcement on Saturday that those travelling to Abu Dhabi from other emirates will no longer be required to present a COVID-19 test result starting from today is a strong indicator of things returning to normality in the UAE. It is just as well that the Green Pass system will stay for entry into some public places. As the authorities have reminded us, we need to ensure a sustainable recovery. And that means continuing to abide by the precautionary measures expected of us. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

PROTESTS AGAINST COVID-19 VACCINE MUST NOT SWAY PEOPLE: It's more than nine months since COVID-19 vaccinations were introduced to the world, with jabs ensuring that most infections do not require hospitalisation. But there are still stray incidents of protests in some parts of the US and Europe, urging people to resist COVID-19 vaccines. While most protests over vaccinations and other regulations have been peaceful, some have led to physical altercations among attendees. This is unfortunate. There is no doubt that vaccines have resulted in bringing down the coronavirus numbers and deaths. Many countries are still in the early stages of vaccinating their populations. They must be encouraged to continue the good work. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

FORMER PROFESSIONAL CYCLIST SORENSEN KILLED IN ACCIDENT: Chris Anker Sorensen, the former Danish professional cyclist, has died after being hit by a van during a ride in Belgium, near Zeebrugge. The 37-year-old television pundit was due to commentate on the Road World Championships, which begin in Flanders today. He was one of the most respected riders in the peloton and had enjoyed a 16-year pro career before retiring in 2018 and spent several seasons with the CSC and Saxo Bank teams. He recorded impressive wins at the Giro d’Italia and Critérium du Dauphiné before becoming national champion in 2015. In the last 20 years, more professional cyclists have been killed than athletes in rugby, boxing and wrestling proving it is one of the most dangerous sports. Now sadly, we have had another reminder of this.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

BIDDING GOODBYE TO DANIEL CRAIG’S 007: It was a tearful goodbye for Daniel Craig as he took his last bow as the super spy 007, serving at the pleasure of his fans across five James Bond films, one of which has yet to release with ‘No Time To Die’ out next month in the UAE. Craig brought his own persona to Bond, adding a gritty, edgy quality to the character that was reminiscent of the late Sean Connery during his turn as the spy. While the future of James Bond remains unanswered, as does the character who may play him in the forthcoming productions, Craig’s legacy remains secure as the man who brought a level of realism to Bond. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]