Hatta’s eco-tourism, why expats cheer for the UAE and Blackburn FA Cup shock, our editors comment on the top stories of Mar 1

DUBAI’S HATTA IS A MODEL FOR ECO-TOURSIM. The mountainous region of the emirate of Dubai is leading the way in sustainable tourism, with projects designed to utilise elements of the terrain. Manmade waterfalls, a lake and beach, and planting of thousands of trees will not only attract visitors, but also complement the natural environment. It’s all part of a masterplan, which was expanded yesterday, that includes wider development targets for farming and human resources. This is proof that tourism and economic progress doesn’t have to come at an environment cost. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

UAE’S MAKE-IT-EASY FOR EXPATS IS PAYING OFF: In these two years and more, the UAE has been single-minded in its approach towards welcoming more expats – and making the current resident base feel more at home. The Golden Visa, the lowering of the investment-in-country to Dh2 million, the multiple ways to help entrepreneurs have direct control of their businesses have all helped, both on its own and collectively. A new HSBC poll finds that UAE is consolidating its hold with new expats seeking a new home base for themselves. Yes, what the UAE and its cities offer on lifestyle scores highly, as do stability and better prospects in saving for the future. But other micro-factors also have a say – not least the easier access to opening new bank accounts. All such details matter. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

BLACKBURN PROVIDE HUGE FA CUP SHOCK: There was a massive upset in the FA Cup fifth round last night as Championship side Blackburn Rovers beat Premier League club Leicester City 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinals. Blackburn played with the freedom their manager Jon Dahl Tomasson said they would before kickoff and they took the game to the Foxes and dominated from start to finish which is no mean feat away from home at a Premier League club. Leicester were winners of the competition only two years ago when they beat Chelsea in the final and this defeat will be painful for coach Brendan Rodgers. This was a huge chance for them to get to the last eight playing at home against a Championship team, but the fact of the matter is Blackburn were far better than them. Leicester have to be very concerned about that as they bid to avoid relegation this season. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

WAGE GAP IS A FAMILIAR SCRIPT IN ENTERTAINMENT: Hollywood actors like Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence have cried themselves hoarse about the glaring wage gap that exists between male and female actors. There was a time when actresses’ kept a low profile refusing to be drawn into that debate at the fear of being perceived as “difficult”. But today it’s a different tale. Actors like Malavika Mohanan are fearless advocates of equal pay and opportunities. In a recent interview, she spoke about how Indian cinema is plagued by the same issue of the male actors being a wider berth than the actresses. Her advice? Put your foot down and demand equal pay for the same work. We hear her. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor, Gulf News)