Dubai's D33 mission is on, and why Hatta beckons, our editors comment on the top stories of Jan 5

WELCOME TO DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Dubai Economic Agenda' D33' with ambitious goals of doubling the size of Dubai's economy over the next decade and consolidating its position among the top three global cities. The salient features of the new economic agenda will scale up the possibilities for tech ventures and their founders. Investors and job seekers from all over the world could be drawn into the emirate for the various propositions brought by the D33 mission. These include – Sandbox Dubai and the plan to support 30 companies from new/ emerging sectors to be true global unicorns that carry valuations of $1 billion or more. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter)

HATTA BECKONS WITH NEW EXPRESS BUS SERVICE: The launch of an express bus service between Dubai and Hatta will provide a big boost to tourism in Hatta. The deluxe coach Hatta Express, which starts from the Dubai Mall Bus Station and heads to Hatta Bus Station at a frequency of two hours, comes for a fare of just Dh25, making it very affordable. The nominally priced Hatta Hop on Hop off service within Hatta also ensures that visitors and residents cover all tourist landmarks conveniently. Sounds like a great weekend plan. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

SASSY, SAUCY AND CLASSY: When it comes to be sassy, saucy, and nice, no one can beat Bollywood girl Deepika Padukone who rings in her 37th birthday today. I met her first in 2007 in Dubai when she came with Shah Rukh Khan for the music launch of her debut film ‘Om Shanti Om’. At that point, she was statuesque but not media savvy like she’s today. And like any newcomer, she took time to open up with the media and let us in. But the dynamics changed drastically as the years went by and Padukone found a strong foothold in Bollywood. When I met her again in Mumbai for ‘Chennai Express’ in 2013, gone was the gawky, unsure actress. She had turned into this towering glamazon with a sturdy body of work behind. But her niceness didn’t diminish. Her stature – especially on the global stage – has exponentially increased, but her charming disposition was still intact. In an industry filled with tantrum-prone divas, Padukone stood tall. Armed with talent and a terrific personality, Padukone is a testament to how you can scale heights with the right attitude. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)