Artistic showpieces in Dubai, UAE hotel staff salaries rise, Gulf News Editors comment on September 25 trending news

ART IN DUBAI STREETS: Dubai is evolving into an open-air museum, redefining its identity beyond the gleaming skyscrapers. Known for its commitment to innovation, Dubai has embarked on a venture that melds urban aesthetics with cultural richness. The ‘Art in Public Spaces’ initiative has breathed new life into four of the emirate’s prominent roundabouts: Al Warqa, Nad Al Sheba, Nad Al Hamar, and Al Khawaneej. This transforms public spaces into captivating canvases that turn the city into an open and accessible art scene. Each roundabout now boasts artistic designs that resonate with a modern and dynamic spirit. These artistic showpieces are a testament to the fusion of tradition and modernity. As Dubai expands, so does this living canvas, spreading its creative touch across communities. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

UAE HOTEL PAY SCALES: The UAE’s hospitality sector is experiencing a significant rise in pay packages, with average salaries up by 10-15 per cent compared to 2022 and a 30-45 per cent increase compared to 2019. Pay packages have grown substantially in mid-tier to senior executive positions, with managerial roles like restaurant managers and sales and marketing heads receiving 50 per cent higher pay, recruitment experts say. Moreover, the competitive nature of the industry necessitates competitive salaries to retain top talent. With the addition of over 9,000 hotel rooms in the UAE by the end of 2023, hotels face the challenge of retaining talent and may need to increase compensation packages further. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter)

THE APPEAL OF CELEB WEDDINGS: Bollywood enthusiasts have been glued to their phones, awaiting the first official pictures of actress Parineeti Chopra and politician Raghav Chaddha’s closely guarded wedding. The collective curiosity was satisfied on Monday morning when the newlyweds shared a series of dreamy images. This excessive scrutiny of their private moments underscores our enduring fascination with celebrity weddings. While they blend fantasy with reality and often set cultural benchmarks for fashion, relationships, and societal values, it’s important to remember that these are also avenues for extravagant displays of wealth and luxury. Are we unintentionally fueling the billion-dirham wedding industry, where many ordinary families go bankrupt trying to replicate these opulent ceremonies? As we savour the enchanting images from the Chopra wedding, let’s hope we don’t normalise such lavish weddings. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)

A HAPPY HEADACHE FOR INDIAN CRICKET: Hosts India produced an impressive performance against Australia ahead of the World Cup that begins in India in less than two weeks. The brilliant efforts from Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin have given the team management a happy headache ahead of the showpiece. India’s virtual second-string team inflicted massive defeats on Australia in both the matches so far, their fifth straight loss after losing three consecutive ODI games against South Africa earlier this month. While it is heartening to note the bench strength of the Indian team, Australia have reason to worry. The bowling lacks bite, while the batting relies heavily on the top four. (By A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor)