Dubai luxury home sales jump in 2023, Threads poses huge challenge to Twitter, and other top stories, Gulf News Editors comment on July 6 trending news

DUBAI LUXURY HOME SALES CROSS $3.1 BILLION IN H1-2023: Dubai's luxury real estate market has witnessed an impressive surge, with luxury home sales crossing an astounding $3.1 billion in the first-half of 2023. With 92 deals, Dubai emerged as the busiest $10 million+ market in the world during Q1-2023, edging past Hong Kong (67) and New York (58). Prime neighborhoods in Dubai, such as Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, and Jumeirah Bay Island, continue to dominate sales. Furthermore, with 176 $10 million home sales in the first six months of 2023, the city has already achieved 79 per cent of the total number of $10 million homes sold in 2022. In addition, with average transacted prices continuing to hover at around Dh6,900 per square foot, or about $1,800 per square foot, the emirate continues to offer relatively affordable access to luxury living. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

THREADS VS TWITTER IS OFFICIAL: The launch of Meta's Threads app presents a potential challenge to Twitter, as it aims to attract dissatisfied users with its integration of Instagram features and a focus on public conversations. With 10 million sign-ups in its first 7 hours, Threads benefits from Instagram's existing user base and offers unique features such as content control and privacy measures. However, Twitter's established community and network effects make it a formidable competitor. Regulatory concerns and the European Union's Digital Markets Act also pose obstacles for Threads' expansion. The battle between Threads and Twitter represents a significant moment in the social media landscape, but it remains to be seen if Threads can truly rival and surpass Twitter's dominance. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

A REMARKABLE FEAT: Iraqi engineer Sinan Al Awsi, 62, has toiled non-stop to transform Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street, popularly known as "Airport Road," in Abu Dhabi, into a lush greenery. Since 1999, Al Awsi has resided in the UAE. He has laboriously planted 105 coconut trees, 104 plumeria trees, over 80 shrubs, and over 80 floral plants throughout this time, adorning a 500-meter length with vibrant vegetation. The Abu Dhabi Municipality has backed him and given him the go-ahead to continue his tree-planting initiatives. Al Awsi undertook this incredible project, devoting two hours per day to the garden. He says it is his way of showing appreciation to the UAE, his family's second home that has welcomed and supported them for the past 24 years. It's a remarkable way to show gratitude to a remarkable nation. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

BEAR GRYLLS: THE LION IN THE CELEBRITY JUNGLE? While National Geographic magazine may have laid off its last remaining staff writers and halted publication, there's one show in Nat Geo's bouquet that seems to be in blazing form. We're talking about celebrity adventurer Bear Grylls and his show, which features actors and icons battling the wild alongside him. As "Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge" premieres tomorrow, we have learned that stars ranging from Bradley Cooper to Rita Ora are lining up to put their endurance to the test. For instance, "Hangover" star Cooper leaping onto a hovering helicopter makes for compelling TV. While many television shows are nearing extinction, here's Grylls, whose clout among celebrities remains undiminished. Stars are known to be notoriously precious, but they have no issues letting go and baring their wild side with Grylls, and that's a great legacy to hold. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)