From the Editors: UAE must prepare for a plastic free lifestyle

RESIDENTS MUST PREPARE FOR PLASTIC FREE LIFESTYLE: UAE Residents must adapt to plastic free healthy lifestyle following ban on single-use plastic bags in Abu Dhabi from June this year. Banning the plastic bags is indeed a great move by the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi (EAD) to combat climate change. The EAD is also working towards phasing out single-use Styrofoam cups, plates and containers by 2024. The EAD policy will certainly promote healthy environment and a sustainable lifestyle in the country. Now, it is the duty of every resident in the UAE to join hands with the EAD and stop using not only plastic bags but also any other plastic products which are harmful to the environment. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

ALL EYES ON TIGER WOODS AS HE MAKES COMEBACK AT MASTERS: The Masters is back and 92 golfers will be teeing off for the year’s first major but the spotlight will be only on one man – Tiger Woods. He is all set to make his bid to claim the coveted Green Jacket at Augusta National for the sixth time and with COVID-19 restrictions lifted thousands of fans are expected to witness the American’s return to the sport following his serious car accident 14 months ago. Jose Maria Olazabal will get proceedings underway at 3pm today but the highlight of the day will come two hours later when 46-year-old Woods - who partners South African Louis Oosthuizen and Chile's Joaquin Niemann - tees off. It will be brilliant to see him back in action considering that just over a year ago doctors pondered over the possibility of amputating his right leg following his horrific accident. The Augusta National layout is one of the more demanding tracks on the PGA Tour and it will be very interesting to see how the 15 major championships winner fares.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

KANYE WEST SHAKES UP COACHELLA: Following Kanye West unexpectedly pulling out from the Coachella music festival set to take place this month, Swedish House Mafia and The Weeknd have been announced as his replacement. It’s still unclear what prompted West — who is now known as Ye — from stepping down from being the headliner at the coveted event. What’s clear is that the past few months have revealed his struggles with mental health and the need for him to take care of himself for his own sake and that of his family. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]