From the editors: UAE residents urged to stick with COVID-19 protocols, Jane Fraser to become Citi CEO

HELP THE GOVERNMENT COMBAT THE HUGE CHALLENGE: The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NECMA) has begun to tighten supervision and inspections to ensure implementation of preventive measures in the wake of increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the UAE during the last one week. Public and private sector entities have been warned to ensure comprehensive compliance with COVID-19 precautionary measures outlined by authorities. Fines are now being issued against the violators of the preventive measures but it is not the only way to fight the pandemic. It is our collective responsibility to adhere to the set guidelines and protocols. We should not slack in maintaining physical distance, wearing masks and avoid social gatherings, and help the government combat the huge challenge in this difficult time. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

IS PEACE IN AFGHANISTAN REALLY ON THE CARDS?: As Afghanistan’s warring side sit down to discuss peace, hopes are they could finally strike a deal that will end the 19-year conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Afghans and 2,300 US troops, and is also America’s longest war. Questions have been raised about the timing of the talks. The negotiations have to be seen in the context of the US election in November, in which President Donald Trump is trying to show progress in his pledge to end American involvement. But for any talks to succeed, a ceasefire - which the Taliban have so far rejected - must be a first step. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

WALL STREET GETS WOMANPOWER: Citigroup Inc. named consumer banking head Jane Fraser as its next chief executive on Thursday, making her the first woman to lead a major Wall Street bank. When Fraser takes the helm of Citi in February, keeping up with profit targets and convincing the sceptics on the bank’s business model will remain huge challenges. Fraser’s elevation is celebrated as a step in the right direction for an industry that has few women in its top ranks. A woman of proven caliber and a rising star in the financial industry, the promotion could be a small step for Fraser, but indeed a giant leap for the women of Wall Street. [COMMENT BY: Babu Das Augustine, Business Editor]

THERE’LL ALWAYS BE ANOTHER FESTIVAL: Show business by working definition is a struggle against all odds, a passion that burns brighter in the fires of rejection, and a spirit that defies constraints. And so it is with the Venice film festival, which may be quieter in numbers and include a mask in the dress code – but is screening all the same. Social ills, travel grievances and a pandemic there may be but the celebration of art and culture must go on; tonight, the coveted Golden Lion award will be announced, proving once again that there’s no business like show business. [COMMENT BY: Karishma H. Nandkeolyar, Assistant Online Editor]

NEW SEASONS: It was only a few weeks ago that we were watching Bayern Munich lift the Champions League trophy to bring the curtain down on the 2019-20 season. The coronavirus pandemic has caused such chaos that we have the briefest football off-season in history. The two nations represented in that final (Germany and France) have already begun their new seasons, with England and Spain following suit on Saturday. With the demand — by sponsors and fans alike — to get the season started, organisers are in a no-win situation, and it will only be a matter of time before serious injuries mount due to very little rest. [COMMEN BY: Matthew Smith, Sport Editor]