GCC aviation shines, Dubai's inclusive beaches, and devastating torrential rains in India, Gulf News Editors comment on July 10 trending news

MORE OPPORTUNITIES IN GCC'S AVIATION SECTOR: UAE carriers are now offering a 5-10 per cent salary increase compared to the previous year, considering the rising cost of living. Cabin crew salaries have experienced a significant surge, increasing over 30 per cent since 2019. And the demand for pilots is projected to rise in the coming years as airlines in the region continue to expand their fleets. Boeing estimates that the GCC airlines will require nearly 3,000 commercial jets valued at $765 billion over the next two decades. However, attracting and retaining skilled professionals in the competitive aviation industry is challenging, and more than offering a plum pay package is needed. They also focus on providing attractive job perks and benefits, including covering school fees for senior cabin crew members' children, offering personal grooming allowances, generous annual leave allowances, retirement savings plans, travel benefits for employees and their families, and professional development opportunities. In the long run, companies that value their employees and provide a positive work environment are more likely to attract and retain top talent, leading to sustained success. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter)

DUBAI IS COMMITTED TO INCLUSIVITY: The introduction of dedicated services for people of determination to swim on select Dubai beaches at night is a great initiative. With summer temperatures increasing, night swimming is an increasingly sought after outdoorsy option for residents and visitors. Now that it has been made an inclusive affair, people of determination can also head to the beaches and swim in the seawaters with adequate supervision and support. Dubai is already a wheelchair-friendly city and this beach initiative reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor)

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS: Torrential rain and devastating floods have wreaked havoc across northern India, claiming the lives of many and triggering landslides. The unprecedented rainfall, with Delhi experiencing its highest levels in decades, has led to the closure of schools and warnings from authorities in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. There are reports of casualties in multiple states including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab. While India's meteorological department predicted further rainfall in the region, it is crucial to recognise that the intensity and unpredictability of the monsoon are exacerbated by climate change. The summer monsoon not only supplies 70-80% of South Asia's annual rainfall but also brings with it the grim realities of flooding and landslides, underscoring the urgent need to address climate change impacts. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

SHAH RUKH KHAN: PROVING HE'S STILL GOT IT? The preview to the trailer of Shah Rukh Khan’s stunt-packed film, 'Jawan', reiterates why the superstar remains indestructible in Hindi cinema when it comes to star power and bravado. The clip showcased Khan, 58, executing gravity-defying stunts while pondering angst-ridden existential questions about how his actions will be perceived. Will he be hailed as a hero or relegated to an anti-hero or even seen as a curse, he asks in his trademark voice. Regardless of how his character is classified in the film, it's certain that he's one of the few Bollywood stars who still enjoys enormous clout at the box office. As actors, big and small, consider releasing their films directly on Over-The-Top platforms, Khan continues to create high-stakes tent-pole bonanzas that are perfectly suited for theatrical releases. Whether you attribute to his magnificent screen presence or his faith in big films, Khan is proving to be an indestructible force in Indian cinema. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)