Gaza braces for next stage of combat, UAE hotels filling positions, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on October 26 top news

GAZA BRACES FOR NEXT STAGE OF COMBAT: Israel's military has reported the entry of tanks into the northern Gaza Strip during an overnight operation as part of their preparations for what they termed as "the next stage of combat." More than two weeks of relentless aerial bombing has already made the situation in Gaza dire. A potential Ground Offensive by Israel can make things worse. It remains imperative to prioritise efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and allowing humanitarian aid to reach Gaza to address the grim humanitarian situation and mitigate the suffering of civilians in the region. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

UAE HOTELS ARE FILLING POSITIONS: The UAE's hotel industry faces heightened demand for part-time workers due to upcoming events like COP28, F1 Abu Dhabi, and the Dubai Airshow, prompting early hiring to meet peak season demands. Gearing up for 80 to 90 per cent occupancy, hotels have adjusted their workforce strategies, including outsourcing and hiring part-time staff. These part-time roles offer flexible work arrangements and varying compensation based on hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly wages. Nikhil Nanda of Innovations Group noted a premium on short-term hourly and daily contracts, with part-time monthly packages typically ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh10,000, depending on the position. Park Regis Hotel Business Bay, for instance, offers daily remuneration starting at Dh120, dependent on the part-timer's skillset. The early hiring spree reflects the industry's proactive approach to meet the increasing demand during the upcoming peak season. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter - Business)

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE: In Dubai, those who rely on public transportation, requiring them to walk to and from stations, are set to be generously rewarded. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a new campaign, underscoring the city's commitment to fostering an active lifestyle and community engagement. This initiative aligns with the 14th Public Transport Day celebrations, taking place from October 25 to November 8. Under the banner of "Gym on the Go," this endeavour highlights the emirate's dedication to enhancing public health and physical fitness among residents by actively promoting the use of public transportation. This event is in harmony with the Dubai Fitness Challenge, which runs from October 28 to November 26, and is a central part of Dubai's ambitious goal to become one of the world's most physically active cities. It provides an inclusive platform for individuals to engage in an active and healthy lifestyle. (Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

BOLLYWOOD STAR COUPLE DEEPIKA PADUKONE AND RANVEER SINGH SPILL THE TEA: In the latest episode of the glossy and borderline salacious 'Koffee With Karan,' the Bollywood star couple delighted their army of fans by revealing their wedding video, which contains snippets of their secretive ceremony in Italy. It was filled with endearing moments of the loving bride and groom making the most of their special day, but what impressed us most was Padukone’s profound understanding of the word 'marriage.' She emphasized that it takes a lot of hard work every day to keep a marriage alive. We hear her, and it's heartening to see actors being genuine and honest during chat shows designed to grab eyeballs. While some parts may have felt scripted, Padukone and Singh's candid admissions about living their lives under the public gaze and their discussions about mental health felt raw and genuine. While Johar is known for bringing out the catty side of his celebrity guests, it appears that he has sobered up and is striving to be more woke, or at least performatively woke. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)