Dubai tops globetrotting executives, Calls for restraint in Libya, Hottest month on record, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on August 16 trending news

DUBAI TOP DESTINATION FOR GLOBETROTTING EXECUTIVES: Amid the surge of executives adopting digital nomad lifestyles post-pandemic, Dubai emerges as a prime hub. The emirate’s thriving fintech and financial sectors magnetize senior hybrid workers, many affected by this year's 200,000+ tech job cuts. Hybrid work's rise triggered executives to seek bases in warm coastal cities with accessible airports. Meanwhile, as rental prices rise in digital nomad hotspots, the affordability of prime rental properties has become a crucial factor when deciding where to move next. Lisbon, which topped last year’s rankings, has dropped to 5 spot as rents soared in the city. Malaga, a new entry into the rankings that saw Google move in this year, came in second only to Dubai. (Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

CALL FOR RESTRAINT IN LIBYA: In the ongoing Libya crisis, all parties must prioritise civilian safety and safeguard government infrastructure and property, necessitating a crucial exercise of restraint. Clashes between the 444 Brigade and Al-Radaa, emblematic of numerous power-seeking militias since Muammar Qaddafi's fall, have led to casualties, evacuations in Libya. Various powers have called for an end to the fighting. The UAE has called for de-escalation, cessation of hostilities, and peaceful dialogue amidst ongoing clashes, highlighting the need for peaceful resolutions. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

HOTTEST MONTH ON RECORD: The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said that the first three weeks of July recorded the highest average temperature globally. July 2023 witnessed the highest recorded global average temperature, surpassing any known levels in the past 120,000 years. EU scientists have also reported that the global average temperature for July 2023 was the highest on record for any month — it was 0.72°C warmer than the 1991-2020 average for July — and 0.33°C warmer than the previous warmest month, July 2019. July 2023 month is also estimated to have been around 1.5°C warmer than the average for 1850-1900. Mounting scientific evidence shows that human activities have warmed Earth's surface and its ocean basins. As the UAE observes the Year of Sustainability, it is our shared responsibility to persist in our endeavours to address climate change. This can be achieved through embracing the principles of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), adopting energy and water conservation practices, and actively supporting sustainable practices. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

UAE CAN PROVE THEIR WORTH AGAINST NZ: New Zealand cricket team arrived in Dubai for the three Twenty20 International series against the UAE starting Thursday. Despite having fielded a somewhat second-string team, it will give the Kiwis an opportunity to tap into the younger talents and provide them a chance that could help the Black Caps strengthen the team for the next year's ICC Twenty20 World Cup happening in the West Indies and United States in June. Meanwhile, UAE will want to make good use of the experience playing against a top-ranked team that will allow them to further hone their skills playing at the higher level. New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said that In terms of the global cricket family, it’s important that nations keep helping each other, and help grow the game on an international scale. “NZC has a close relationship with the Emirates Cricket Board and our players are very familiar with the environment,” he added. (By Jai Prasad V Rai, Assistant Editor)

KARAN JOHAR EMBRACES CRITICISM: Bollywood titan Karan Johar, propelled by the success of 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani,' is orchestrating a deliberate shift towards embracing woke culture and engaging with cancel culture. In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Johar addressed past criticisms of his work's lack of progressiveness, openly acknowledging his evolution. He claims his new film, ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani’ encapsulates his transformative journey and fuses modern sensibilities into the narrative. His bold approach confronts cancel culture, body image perceptions, and gender dynamics, marking a significant departure in his filmmaking. This willingness to adapt and embrace change positions Karan Johar as an artist who’s willing to progress in the evolving landscape of Bollywood cinema. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)