UAE’s human side shines bright, Ramadan spending bounce continues, and Is Man City too hot to handle now? Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories on April 12

DEVOTED TO HUMANITARIAN WORK: More than 102 million people have benefitted from humanitarian projects carried out by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiative (MBRGI). A report presented on Tuesday at Dubai Opera noted that the foundation, the largest of its kind in the region in the field of charity, humanitarian and aid work, spent a total of Dh1.4 billion ($381.22 million) during 2022, positively impacting the lives of millions of people in 100 countries. The UAE actively continues to establish its humanitarian role, thereby creating a better life for millions and virtuous cycles of hope. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

A RAMADAN SPENDING BOUNCE? The UAE roads are sporting newly registered vehicles flashing by, the malls have been full over weekends and mall operators are crafting every possible strategy to ensure that the Eid holidays provide a fitting finale to Ramadan. New findings from the likes of the insurance group GIG Gulf suggest that the month-long period has paid off for consumers and retailers, helped by some well-timed discounts. The caution that was there among shoppers through the first two months and more has dropped, not by much but enough to get retailers interested. This could well be the theme for the rest of the year – UAE and Gulf consumers are watching price tags and price-offs closely. They need to keep doing that…(By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

MANCHESTER CITY PROVING TOO HOT TO HANDLE: Life must be good if you are a Manchester City fan. Last night, City sent Bayern Munich back home to Germany. Pep Guardiola’s side were at their ruthless best as they eased to a 3-0 win at the Etihad Stadium. A last-four spot in the Champions League is now pretty much wrapped up. They have one foot in the semi-finals after their goal-scoring machine Erling Haaland took his tally to 45 goals for the season in all competitions. That is a new record for a Premier League striker. With the Norwegian in such devastating form, this finally looks like the season boss Guardiola will lay his hands on the coveted trophy with City. His team are pushing Arsenal all the way in the Premier League title race too, and it would not be a surprise if they pip the Gunners to the post. No wonder City supporters have a spring in their step. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

ARNOLD SHOWS THE WAY TO CITIZEN ACTIVISM: Arnold Schwarzenegger filled up a large pothole in his upscale neighbourhood in Los Angeles. That’s a simple way of stating what he did. But it is the who, what or why that matters. The former governor of California wrote on Twitter that he was fed up at the road not being repaired and chose to do it himself. Armed with a shovel and bags of asphalt, ‘Arnie’ as he’s popularly known, repaired the road and posted videos and pictures of the same online. There are millions of people around the world achieving much more, but it is such incidents tend to get more attention, and rub off positively on the society at large. That is the power a celebrity possesses. Citizen activism would do well to benefit from this “power”. And three cheers to Arnie for ‘terminating’ the pothole — as he’d have said in his most popular movie franchise. (By Rajagopalan Venkataraman, Assistant Editor-Features)