Abu Dhabi’s mental healthcare reforms, 'DigiGold' options in UAE: Our editors comment on the top stories of Jan 22

RIGHT FOCUS FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE: Abu Dhabi’s announcement of a series of mental health reforms will not only see increased coverage and access to treatment for residents, it will also shift the very focus of mental health care to the primary healthcare level. As the Abu Dhabi Integrated Mental Health Conference highlighted, the new policy will shift mental health treatment away from specialised services to community and primary care. This will ensure that mental health concerns are identified and duly addressed at an early stage which is vital in the treatment of any mental disorders. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

IS 'DIGI-GOLD' THE FUTURE OF GOLD INVESTMENT? UAE gold retailers announced plans to launch 'Digi-gold' - a gold savings scheme where buyers can purchase the gold, keep the valuables purchased in a 'storage facility' without taking possession of it, and sell the gold they bought with the storage done under their name elsewhere—aimed at the Millennial and GenZ population, who don't care much for gold jewellery. A few UAE retailers, such as Malabar Gold, recently unveiled their plans to launch DigiGold investments; it begs to raise the question- As virtual forms of investing in the metal gather speed, will investors end up looking over its cultural value? It would be fair to presume that fintech developers would eventually make it possible for the consumer to even own fractional shares of the precious metal in the form of Digi-gold, as most young people don't have bank lockers in their name. Holding it in digital format makes better sense for UAE consumers. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter)

INDIA’S WINNING RUN INCREASES THE BUZZ AHEAD OF WORLD CUP: With the 50-over cricket World Cup only months away, a team’s form and performance get analysed to the minute details. India’s stunning winning run against Sri Lanka and New Zealand at home conditions have increased the buzz around the Men in Blue as the One Day International showpiece is also to be held at familiar home conditions. Adding more fuel to the expectation is that India won the 2011 World Cup when it was held in India the last time around. Another heartening point for Indian fans is that, all the top players are returning to form and they are collectively producing match-winning performances, on wickets that is not ideal for batting conditions. The pacers too have been decimating their rivals. A comfortable win on a green-top Raipur pitch in the second ODI against the Black Caps has clearly sent out a message that the team will be comfortable against pace and spin, leaving their rivals guessing. (By A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor)