Optimism at the Arab League Summit, New traffic fines in the UAE, Easing food inflation, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories on May 19

OPTIMISM AT THE ARAB LEAGUE SUMMIT: The 22 Arab League member states are convening in Saudi Arabia for their annual summit. Against the backdrop of the Sudan conflict and Palestinian-Israeli tensions, discussions are expected to address these pressing issues. Positive developments, such as progress on resolving the Yemen war, are also anticipated. Notably, this summit marks Syria's reintegration into the Arab fold, as it is the first time the Syrian leadership has attended since its suspension in 2011. Focus will also be on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts for regional peace have seen improved relations with Tehran also. Overall, an air of optimism pervades the summit. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

NEW TRAFFIC PENALTIES TO ENSURE SAFETY OF MOTORISTS IN UAE: The UAE Ministry of Interior has introduced new traffic penalties to ensure safety of motorists especially during the poor weather conditions and emergencies. The Ministry says that new additions of fines are to prioritise community safety and the implementation of preventive measures to secure roads. The new updated law bars motorists from gathering near valleys, floods and dams during rainy weather. Violators will face Dh2,000 fine, 23 traffic points and 60-days vehicle impoundment while obstructing the relevant authorities from regulating traffic; or ambulance and rescue vehicles during emergencies, disasters, crises and rains. Motorists should abide by the new law to ensure safety of all road users. (By Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

EASING FOOD PRICE INFLATION WILL SOOTHE CONSUMERS: Going by available indicators, UAE shoppers will get to have some welcome relief on what they have been paying for their food, whether that be their daily essentials or from just ordering a delivery or going to the restaurant. After all that the better of 2022 did to food prices, the slowing down in price increases at the retail level will not have come a moment too soon. Some cooling off had to come in amidst the higher interest rate, still gaining rental costs, and other sundry costs that a consumer and resident is taking on. In this regard, the UAE authorities have stepped in where possible to prevent any price gouging by anyone involved in the trade. So, when consumers sit down for the next meal, they will hopefully find that they are not paying more any longer. But tea prices could still do with a dip. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

GOLDEN ERA OF TENNIS COMING TO AN END: The fact that Rafael Nadal not taking part in the French Open this year has dealt a severe blow to the orgainsers as well as tennis fans, who are so used to seeing the Spaniard winning the crown year after year. The fighting spirit that he has displayed over the years on the Claycourt Grand Slam has left his rivals shocked, earning him the title as the King of Clay after 14 titles in Paris. It will be the first time since 2004 that Nadal will be missing the French Open. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is unsure of his return, though he hopes to give it one final try next year, which will be his last. The Fab Four of Roger Federer, Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray have dominated tennis for so many years in arguably the golden era of tennis. Djokovic is the last man standing with Federer having retired and Murray is not at his best after hip surgeries. One hopes that Nadal, who will turn 37 next month, returns for one final fling next year. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

PIERCE BROSNAN SURPRISES US WITH LESSER-KNOWN CREATIVE SIDE: No, we’re not talking about how Pierce Brosnan played the fictional suave spy of the MI6, defusing threats to the world effortlessly. The actor best known for playing James Bond in ‘Goldeneye’, ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’, ‘The World Is Not Enough’ and ‘Die Another Day’ has thrown open an art exhibition in Los Angeles featuring his acrylic paintings and drawings. Which gives us a facet into the actor — the vulnerable. Brosnan, the Associated Press reports, isn’t sure how the exhibition will be received by critics or how his works will be categorised. But it was only after prodding from his wife that he found the courage to showcase his work to the public. Yet, he felt the urge to do so. Move on, audiences. This is way cooler than him uttering the words ‘Bond… James Bond’ in a measured tone and drawl. (By Rajagopalan Venkataraman, Assistant Editor-Feature)