From the Editors: UAE values its citizens

UAE VALUES ITS CITIZENS: Yesterday’s announcement of a Dh24 billion programme to hire 75,000 Emiratis in the private sector over the next five years is a big boost for the development of UAE. As the country marks its 50th anniversary, several new projects projects have been unveiled for the benefit of Emiratis. They include the setting up of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council, the Dh1 billion Alumni Fund to grant micro-loans to students and a monthly allowance of up to Dh800 per child, all of which go to show how much the country values its citizens. The UAE is indeed a role model in this aspect, among many others. [COMMENT by Sharmila Dhal, UAE]

FOR MORE ACCEPTANCE IN MIDDLE EAST, IRAN MUST CHANGE SOME OF ITS POLICIES: Progress has been reported on the nuclear issue in talks between Iranian officials and the International Atomic Energy Agency. While the two parties iron out specifics, the larger picture needs to be kept in mind. Iran’s lack of transparency on the nuclear programme is something that bothers its neighbours. Added to that is the fact that Tehran’s ballistic missiles development has not come under international purview, something that is also a strategic concern for its neighbours. Besides, Iran continues to interfere in the affairs of Arab states, which needs to stop if good neighbourly relations are to be maintained. Iran is a country rich in history and culture, with a talented population. It is a country that is central to the Middle East. But for greater acceptance in the region, the Tehran government must revisit some of its policies. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

US OPEN PROVIDES ONE LAST SHOCK AS DJOKOVIC LOSES FINAL: Following the early shock exit of defending champion Naomi Osaka followed up by British teenager Emma Raducanu’s sensational win, it was clear that the US Open had become a tournament defined by the unpredictable. And with everyone believing Novak Djokovic would set a new record by winning his 21st major and the first calendar-year grand slam in men’s tennis in 52 years, the tournament threw up one last curveball. At a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, Russian Daniil Medvedev spoiled the world number one’s party by winning 6-4 6-4 6-4. A win for the Serb would have seen him move clear of rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the battle to finish with the most majors but he looked a little rusty last night and made several uncharacteristic errors in the match. “Even though I haven't won the match I am the happiest man alive because you guys made me very special on the court. You guys touched my soul. I've never felt like this in New York. Thank you for your support. I love you,” he said after the match. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

LOVE IS IN THE AIR FOR CELEBS ALL AROUND: This weekend will go down as a celebration of love, despite Valentine’s Day still half a year away. At one end, even as Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox were packing on the PDA at the MTV Video Music Awards, singer Britney Spears – who’s been grabbing headlines with her legal battles – announced to the world that she’s a newly engaged woman. Spears and longtime boyfriend Sam Asghari made it official on Instagram as well. After a tumultuous year in her conservatorship courtroom drama, the singer deserves a stab at happiness. Meanwhile, across the world, it was also a moment of joy for Bollywood actor and action star Vidyut Jammwal who made his own declaration of love on Instagram, announcing that he’s engaged to designer Nandita Mahtani. With COVID-19 and gloom still plaguing the world today, it’s about time we find joy in people celebrating love. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]