Dubai set to break records over New Year, and UAE ‘Entrepreneurship Leave’ is a great idea, our editors comment on the top stories of Dec 28

FESTIVE SEASON IS AT ITS PEAK IN THE COUNTRY: With only a few days left for the New Year, holiday festivities are at their peak in the UAE and elsewhere. It is a hectic time for Dubai International Airport (DXB), and hotels in the country as the hub expects to handle about two million passengers over the busy holiday season. At least 245,000 passengers are expected to pass through the hub between December 27 to January 3, DXB said yesterday. January 2 is expected to be the busiest day, with traffic exceeding 257,000 passengers. Hotel reservation levels in certain areas across Dubai exceeded 95 to 100 per cent, especially in hotels and resorts in the Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah areas. Hotel apartment facilities are recording occupancies of more than 70 per cent, close to the New Year celebrations areas, several hoteliers have told Gulf News. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter)

UAE’S ‘ENTREPRENEURSHIP LEAVE’ WILL REAP PROFIT: In another world-first by the UAE, the New Year will open new economic horizons for budding businesspersons. The country will, starting January 2, grant a one-year paid Entrepreneurship Leave to Emiratis employed in the federal government sector. The leadership recognises that the success of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) translates into an overall flourishing economy and financial security of its people. The Leave will allow professionals to explore the world of business and contribute both to their own and the UAE’s economic aspirations. The best of both worlds is now within reach. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

RASHFORD CAN SOLVE MAN UTD’S STRIKER PROBLEMS: Ever since Manchester United terminated the contract of Cristiano Ronaldo last month, there has been a lot of talk of strikers at Old Trafford. The January transfer window opens soon and clubs will be doing plenty of deals to bolster their squads. United were keen on PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo but the 23-year-old attacker looks set to now join rivals Liverpool. However, following a fine displayer from Marcus Rashford who scored one and set up another in a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest last night, coach Erik Ten Hag may feel be doesn’t need any reinforcements. United were on top form as they beat the Reds with ease. Ten Hag said before the game 25-year-old Rashford was capable of scoring 20 league goals. His goal took him to double figures and with the way he is currently playing, he will score a lot more before the season is out. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

SOCIAL MEDIA IN OVERDRIVE: Late actress Tunisha Sharma’s last rites were performed on December 27, with pictures of her inconsolable family members going viral. Her ex-boyfriend Sheezan Khan’s personal details have been dissected on news channels and on social media, with accusations about him being made by various people — some of whom could be aiming for their five minutes of fame amid this tragedy. It makes you wonder if the worst day of someone’s life is really a matter of public consumption, just because they were in the public eye for some time. This isn’t a new problem, nor an Indian one. But the sensationalisation of celebrity suicides and mental health an issue that needs talking about. (Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Entertainment)