Dubai Can campaign a huge hit and how UAE investors cruise along, our editors comment on the top stories of September 8

EXTRAORDINARY SUCCESS FOR DUBAI CAN CAMPAIGN: Dubai Can campaign has seen extraordinary success since its launch early this year and it has helped reduce the use of plastic water bottles in the emirate. There has been a reduction of more than 3.5 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles in Dubai because of the campaign aimed at combating plastic pollution. Residents and tourists must continue to play proactive role and stop using single-use water plastic bottles. They have the option of drinking water from multiple drinking water fountains installed at various locations across the city, including public parks, beaches and tourist attractions. (By Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

FOR UAE STOCK MARKETS, MORE OF THE SAME UNTIL SEPT 20-21? Investors in the UAE and elsewhere seem to be in the mood to cruise along between a narrow band of gains and losses, at least until the next US Federal Reserve meeting on September 20-21, which will see another rate hike. If the increase is by 0.75 per cent, the investor sentiment will be business as usual – even though mortgage takers and businesses taking out loans might have a different take. The investor mood seems to be that only if the Fed were to go the extra distance of a 1 per cent hike would the reacts go through shaking and stirring. So, until then, it does seem like status quo – for UAE stocks, that means a bit of ups and downs... (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

AUSTRALIA TAKES MAJOR STEP TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT: Australia has passed its first major climate law in more than a decade, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050. The target to cut emissions brings Australia closer in line with Canada, South Korea and Japan, but leaves the country lagging behind the US, European Union and the UK. The country will have mandated climate targets for the first time in its history and the Energy and Climate Minister Chris Bowen will provide an annual statement to parliament on the government's progress on emissions. Taking care of the environment is no more an option and the country must strive to deliver on its promises. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

ASIA CUP HAS BEEN KEEPING THE FANS ON THE EDGE: The DP World Asia Cup involving five Test-playing nations was expected to be a keenly fought tournament, but it has exceeded the expectations. The continental showpiece has thrown up some interesting clashes so far and the Super 4 games have gone several notches higher. Most of the matches have been decided in the final overs, a twist coming almost towards the end. India lost two matches off the penultimate deliveries and the low-scoring match between Pakistan and Afghanistan was anybody’s game until the final two deliveries were dispatched over the fence by the young Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah. It has brought so much suspense and thrill and the match oscillating from one end to the other. A superb advertisement for cricket in Asia. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

KEEP RACISM OUT OF TV: Amazon Prime Video has had to reiterate its support for the ‘Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power’ cast members of colour after they faced racist comments and harassment. Some people claimed hiring Black and brown people misrepresented author JRR Tolkien’s fictional world. The world of TV and movies has often been pulled up for not showcasing enough diversity, so a show as big as this having a varied cast should be celebrated. Including people of colour in a fictional story is a reflection of the real world. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features)