From the editors: UAE has new visa norms, gold buying to pick up steam?

NEW VISA NORMS FOR 5 COUNTRIES. The UAE has always kept its doors open to the world, and despite the grim scenario due to COVID-19, has begun accepting tourists again. However, certain people have tried to misuse the country’s hospitality by coming on visit visas to look for jobs. This resulted in a situation where the UAE had to send back a number of persons on tourist visas as they had not fulfilled all conditions, prompting tighter entry norms for citizens from five nations. The UAE will remain an open country, but everyone entering the country must respect the law of the land. (COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor)

A BIT OF FESTIVE CHEER FOR GOLD BUYING? Gold prices will need to do its bit if shoppers in the UAE are to get serious about picking up the metal now, when bullion is commanding upwards of $1,900 an ounce. Sure, there are some who say gold could be entering a period of relative quiet. After all that the price has seen in the last 10 months, no one will begrudge shoppers and asset buyers some price stability. Maybe a Joe Biden victory would then be the right antidote for that. If all that converts into shoppers in the UAE picking up the yellow metal for their Diwali buying, retailers can then have some festive cheer. For now, it’s all glum… (COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

IN GREAT FORM. Chris ‘Universe Boss’ Gayle lit up the IPL in typical fashion as he took his long-awaited bow against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday night in Sharjah. With the match in the balance, the big-hitting West Indies veteran came to the crease at No. 3. He took a little while to get going, but then the sixes started flowing at a high-scoring ground that is perfect for his all-or-nothing style. He even managed to throw in a last-minute panic as the runs dried up in the final three overs with victory in sight. He was run out on the penultimate ball. Thankfully, his replacement - Nicholas Pooran - is also in fine form, and he smashed a six for only KXIP’s second win. (COMMENT BY: Mattew Smith, Sports Editor)

TRUMP, BIDEN HAVE A GO AT EACH OTHER – FROM A DISTANCE. The second face-to-face debate between US President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden may have been cancelled, but both had a go at each other – from a distance. The topics at the town halls ranged from the economy to tackling the coronavirus and election fraud. There was plenty of rhetoric at times, and when the questions were tough, being evasive and combative saved the day. More than 18 million people have already voted in person or by post for the November 2 election. So with only 19 days left for polls, both candidates will have to do their best to woo those sitting on the fence. (COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

LET IT GO. To try and please everyone is the ambition of the fool. Those clever enough to climb through the ranks of stardom know better. While trolls come and go, actors including Swara Bhaskar and Taapsee Pannu (pictured) – who are often at the receiving end on critical remarks - slap back the nastier comments or ignore them completely. There’s a lesson to be learned there – let no one steal your thunder. (COMMENT BY: Karishma Nandkeolyar, Assistant Online Editor)