Alhosn wins top global award and UAE’s energy security message, our editors comment on the top stories of October 31

BEFITTING GLOBAL RECOGNITION FOR ALHOSN: That the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Alhosn National Health System have been named winners of the Bronze Stevie Award 2022 for Most Valuable Government Response in the COVID-19 Response categories is indeed a proud achievement. The development of the Alhosn app in record time addressed a very pressing need in the thick of the pandemic and helped effectively check the spread of COVID-19 within the UAE. Making the cut from among 3,700 nominations from organisations in 67 nations also goes to demonstrate the UAE’s digital prowess in the global space. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

MESSAGE ON UAE’S ENERGY SECURITY: The UAE Minister and ADNOC Group CEO Dr. Sultan Al Jaber has given an unequivocal message on UAE’s stance on energy, all aspects of it. Sure, the emphasis on building to capacity the country’s renewable and clean energy capacities will continue. The emphasis on climate change will be there, as defined clearly in the net carbon targets of 2050. But even with the renewed focus on alt-energy, the UAE’s focus will not shift on more hydrocarbon investments, because in the now and near-term, that’s the only way to deliver on global energy security. Anything else is fraught with high risks. And, as Dr. Jaber says it, make today’s volatility look like ‘mild tremors’. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

ARSENAL RETURN TO TOP OF PREMIER LEAGUE BUT AT A COST: Arsenal secured an emphatic 5-0 win over strugglers Nottingham Forest to reclaim top spot of the English Premier League from champions Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s side were far too good for Forest but they have suffered an injury to Bukayo Saka during the match and if he is sidelined for any length of time, the Gunners could lose some of their creativeness in front of goal. The winger was on the receiving end of Renan Lodi’s heavy challenge and was taken off midway through the first half. This will be a concern not just for Arteta but for England coach Gareth Southgate with the World Cup in Qatar just weeks away from the big kick off. Saka could now be in danger of missing the tournament and this would seriously dent the Three Lions’ chances. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

A TEARY GOODBYE FROM BTS’ SINGER JIN: Keep your tissues handy when you watch singer Kim Seok-jin (Jin) from South Korean pop band BTS’ performance at Coldplay’s concert held in Argentina’s Buenos Aires. In less than six minutes, Jin – who is off to serve his country’s military service -- reduced thousands of ardent music fans into an emotional mess. But nobody was complaining. This could well be Jin’s last public appearance as a singer for a long time. He recently collaborated with Coldplay singer Chris Martin for their single ‘The Astronaut’ catapulting Jin’s popularity to stratospheric heights. It was a poignant moment for all K-pop fans around the globe because the song was a perfect farewell, in more ways than one. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)