UAE National Day festivities in full swing and why Saudi Arabia is spending big, our editors comment on the top stories of December 1

UAE FESTIVITIES IN FULL SWING: The UAE is in festive mode. Ahead of the National Day on December 2, the celebrations have begun in full swing, with roads and buildings across the different emirates adorned with lights and decorations in the colours of the UAE National Flag. A huge line-up of events has been planned in each emirate, giving residents and visitors a sumptuous menu of options to choose from. Of course, the firework displays in the evening will be among the main highlights, no matter where they take place or where they are viewed from. A very happy 51st UAE National Day to everyone. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

SAUDI ARABIA IS MAKING $80-$100/BARREL TALK LOUD INTO THE FUTURE: A new airport, SR50 billion in greenfield entertainment destinations and many more of mega-projects – Saudi Arabia is spending big and making sure that the current proceeds from its oil revenues stretch out far into keeping the Kingdom’s future generations’ taken care of. Each of these projects aim at creating more foundations for the local economy to lean on – and open up possibilities to draw in investment flows. And alongside those new gleaming cities – think ‘NEOM’ – Saudi Arabia is giving a resounding boost to renewables, confirming what it says would be the MENA’s biggest solar PV plant, to be built in the Mecca region. Securing the future, that’s what Saudi Arabia is doing now. (Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

MILITARY ESCALATION DOES NOT BODE WELL FOR SYRIA: UN special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has warned the military escalation in Syria is dangerous for civilians and regional stability, and he urged Turkey and Kurdish-led forces in the north to de-escalate immediately. The envoy briefed the Security Council about the situation and his fears appear reasonable because there’s no serious effort to resolve the conflict politically, except countries calling for restraint. Turkey has vowed to order a land invasion of northern Syria targeting Kurdish groups and the government has launched airstrikes on militant targets in Syria and Iraq in retaliation to a bomb blast that killed 6 people. Syria needs more focus on political process and implementation of Security Council Resolution 2254 that calls for political settlement in wat-torn country. (By Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor)

A HUGE RELIEF FOR FOOTBALL FANS: A World Cup brings in many new fans along with the ardent supporters who breathe the beautiful game of football, day and day out. And the presence of superstars are an integral part of keeping the spirits high. In that sense, the presence of Lionel Messi is important as it gives fodder for the fans to debate if the Argentine magician will be able to break his showpiece duck in what could probably his last World Cup. But with Argentina making the last 16 stage in their final group clash, their supporters now must be hoping that they go all the way. Moreover, the way the Argentinians played against Poland will certainly boost their confidence after a stuttering start, where they lost to Saudi Arabia in their first game. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

REDEMPTION OF WILL SMITH: The popular actor’s Oscars slap was one of the most shocking moments in the entertainment world this year. It led to many heated discussions about whether comedian Chris Rock deserved it for poking fun at Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith, or whether Smith was totally in the wrong. Now, Smith is back to making public appearances ahead of the release of his movie. The actor says his ‘Emancipation’ director and the cast and crew shouldn’t be penalised for what he did in the spur of the moment. While that is true, it’s up to audiences to decide if they can forget that slap and separate the art from the artist. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Entertainment)