UAE remote working initiative, ‘Family’ time at the UAE stock markets, and more, our editors comment on the top stories of Mar 16

Remote working in the UAE paves the way for a flexible future: Remote working in the UAE received a boost yet again after the Government announced several initiatives at a dedicated forum in Dubai on Wednesday. The role of remote work in shaping a more flexible future was highlighted, underlining the need to think out of the box, optimise resources, increase productivity and reap higher returns. The pandemic proved to the world that remote learning and working are viable options and there is no need why the benefits of such a hybrid system cannot be availed at other times too. Remote operations demand a mechanism of their own, but the work ethos that it requires has by now also been well established. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

‘FAMILY’ TIME AT THE UAE STOCK MARKETS: The Al Ansari Financial Services is open for subscription – but there’s a bigger subtext to it. This could well be the catalyst the UAE stock market authorities needed to get more family-owned enterprises – those with decades of track-record to show – consider taking that mighty leap to being a public company. And take on the additional obligations and levels of transparency that are part of that change in profile. Al Ansari’s ticks those requirements, with a market maker profile in the UAE remittance market and one which it wants to parlay into other Gulf markets, where possible. (It’s already there in Kuwait.) It’s debut on DFM will also add an additional layer in terms of sectors represented. What will be the profile of the next family business showing up in UAE’s stock markets? (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

STRIKES ALL THE WAY: A look at the world around us would give the impression that humankind is busy either fighting wars or going on strike. A general strike has been called in Greece on Thursday in response to the rail disaster last month. In France, garbage workers are keeping up their strikes, and students plan to march to the lower house of parliament opposing the pension bill. In New Zealand, around 50,000 teachers are on strike over improving salaries and conditions. And in the UK, teachers, train drivers and civil servants joined striking doctors in a mass stoppage, as the budget was being unveiled. That's millions of people on strike around the world at the same time, if one were to also add the numerous smaller strikes taking place all the time. Billions of dollars have been wiped off the economy and common people have been affected. A willingness to meet midway will surely help find a solution. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

MIND OVER MATTER GIVES THE WINNING EDGE: Skills are extremely important, the foundation for the success in a sportsman’s career. However, skills can take you only up to a point and to cross the threshold, one needs the mental toughness and the big-match temperament to endure the challenges and succeed. Over the last one week, two great knocks showcased the mental toughness. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who is an astute student of the game, stayed until the end, against all the odds, to steer the Kiwis to victory off the last ball against Sri Lanka in the first Test. A similar feat was replicated by UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem against Papua New Guinea on Wednesday in the CWC League 2 game. On both instances, the captains were showing the way for the rest to follow and it is always mind over the matter that gives the winning edge. (By A. K. S. Sathish, Sports Editor)

SALMAN KHAN’S PAST CATCHES UP WITH HIM, AGAIN: Bollywood’s roguish superstar Salman Khan is yet to shrug off his turbulent past. Earlier today, news emerged that jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has reportedly threatened Khan of dire consequences if the actor doesn’t unequivocally apologise to his community. Twenty five years ago, in 1998, Khan allegedly hunted down and killed two endangered black bucks, revered by the Bishnoi community. While this case is still under trial, there’s no redemption in sight for Khan. In the past, Bishnoi has levelled death threats and the actor, has in turn, beefed up security around him. This time around, Bishnoi is threatening to break Khan’s “ego”. While Khan is known to be a proud egotist, threats of bodily harm is still not acceptable. The court of justice can declare the degree of guilt, not gangsters. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)