Celebrate Eid safely, Alcazar paces ahead at Wimbledon, plus more stories, Gulf News Editors comment on the top news on June 27

SAFETY FOR EVERYONE: Authorities across the UAE have drawn up elaborate safety and security plans ahead of the Eid Al Adha 2023 festivities. Earlier, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah police forces announced extensive preparations. Reminders and warnings were issued by the various Civil Defence bodies for citizens, residents and visitors to take extra care when heading out to the beach, desert, or taking a dip in the pool. Close monitoring of kids has been advised. Parents were also warned against the use of illegal fireworks by young ones to avoid injuries and damage to property. Adherence to safety rules by everyone every day helps strengthen public safety and security, but especially so during holidays and observances. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

GRASS GETS GREENER FOR CARLOS ALCARAZ: Carlos Alcaraz has underlined his grasscourt credentials by clinching the Queen’s Club title, firing a warning to his rivals ahead of the Wimbledon Championships. The 20-year-old becomes the fourth Spaniard to clinch the prestigious title, which acts as a precursor for the grasscourt Grand Slam. It is a huge credit to the defending US Open champion, who clinched his first title only in his third tournament on grass. Alcaraz is likely to be the top seed at the Wimbledon Championships, but will have to prove the world and to himself that he is ready to take the throne from Novak Djokovic by quelling the challenge from 23-time Grand Slam champion. The Serbian ace won the French Open semifinals when they met earlier this month, but Alcaraz should get another chance to prove his worth. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

50 Years Of Hip-Hop Celebrated: The 2023 BET Awards, held in Los Angeles earlier this week, celebrated 50 years of hip-hop with tributes to the genre’s earliest voices, late legends, and new talent. The show was packed with spectacular performances by top performers from the genre. Busta Rhymes, a 12-time Grammy Award nominated rapper, producer, and pioneering hip-hop figure, took took home the night’s biggest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award. Understandably, Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor George Smith Jr., teared up as he accepted the award. Tributes were also paid to the queen of rock n’ roll, Tina Turner — who died recently — on the occasion. In all, the night celebrated the best music had to offer. (By Rajagopalan Venkataraman, Assistant Editor-Features)