UAE corporate tax registration ticks along, Dubai’s Net Zero plan, and Everton needs reinforcement, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories on May 29

UAE’S CORPORATE TAX REGISTRATION TICKS ALONG: On the UAE Corporate Tax registration, it’s minimum fuss, maximum impact. In the background, more companies have signed up to the coverage, or are getting to that point. Just over 48 hours before businesses in the UAE formally enter the corporate tax coverage, the process of getting registered is ticking along nicely. The Ministry of Finance has been giving out updates on key points, many of them helping the smaller businesses to offset their obligations for longer. Taxing responsibly is what the UAE is bringing about. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

NET ZERO PUBLIC TRANSPORT PLAN: Dubai has rolled out its “Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050” strategy. As a result, Dubai has become the first city in the Middle East to set such a long-term goal. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has shown the way towards this end, with the rollout of Dubai Metro, the world’s longest driverless Metro line in 2009, and introducing hybrids and electric vehicles in its taxi fleet, among others. With the new renewable transport strategy, RTA has sought to firm up ways to curb carbon footprint in three areas: waste management, buildings and related facilities, and public transportation. This bold strategy fits in with the UAE's plans for COP28 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. This strategy will go a long way in helping mitigate climate change and accelerate transition to renewable public transport. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

REINFORCEMENTS NEEDED AT EVERTON: Sean Dyche successfully fulfilled his task of securing Everton’s position in the Premier League, but without necessary reinforcements, the team could be in another relegation battle next season. Everton heavily relied on a clutch of standout players who consistently performed admirably such as England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and French midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure. But in attack they have regularly missed Dominic Calvert Lewin through injury and the team has suffered as a result. Everton’s loyal fans have consistently provided magnificent backing and do not deserve the recurring suffering they have endured. The last two seasons have been bitterly disappointing. A huge club like Everton should not be battling to survive. Big changes are required at Goodison Park this summer. A significant overhaul and fresh ideas are urgently needed for the Toffees to kick on and begin, once again, to challenge for honours. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

PRIYANKA CHOPRA JONAS CALLS OUT OBJECTIFICATION IN HER LINE OF WORK: In a bold move that highlighted her integrity and sturdy work ethics, Priyanka Chopra Jonas spoke about how she refused to tolerate “de-humanising” treatment from a film director early in her career. In an interview with The Zoe Report, Chopra Jonas looked back on a distressing incident where the director made derogatory remarks about her appearance, reducing her to an object of desire and titillation. But despite being a budding actor, she foot her foot down and withdrew from the project and repaid the production company from her own pocket of the cost of two-day shoot. She sent a strong message about refusing to be objectified here. Here’s hoping more actors learn to demand respect in creative spaces. She just reminded us that a woman, no matter her age or class, has agency to call the shots. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)