Dubai’s Service 360 and freelancing in the UAE, Gulf News Editors comment on September 18 trending news

EFFICIENCY BOOST: Dubai Municipality’s introduction of the “Services 360” digital platform is a remarkable stride towards modernising and enhancing civic services. This innovative tool equips senior leaders with real-time insights into customer interactions, promoting efficiency and responsiveness. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies, the municipality empowers its executives to monitor tasks, maintain service excellence, and expedite decision-making. This integrated control centre centralises customer requests, their origins, submission methods — and actions taken — thus streamlining operations and fostering transparency. The goal: exceed customer expectations, contribute to financial savings and improve performance metrics. It’s a significant step towards ensuring citizens’ happiness and a higher quality of life through efficient governance. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

FREELANCE WORK SURGES IN THE UAE: Freelance and short-term contracts are gaining popularity in the UAE, offering advantages to workers and employers. HR experts report a growing trend among newcomers, especially in tech and business consulting. Companies are adopting a “try before you commit” approach, valuing the flexibility to evaluate talent before long-term commitments. However, timely payments for freelancers remain a challenge, with rates varying based on work type and duration. For instance, graphic designers in short-term contracts earn Dh40 to Dh150 per hour, while business consultants can make Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 per month. This shift has transformed the job market. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter)

TOUGH CHOICE FOR LIBYA’S FLOOD-HIT RESIDENTS: To stay or not to stay. That is the question plaguing residents of Libya’s flood-affected Derna. Staying in their homes would mean fighting the risk of infection in the aftermath of the powerful storm that resulted in the destruction of two dams. Fleeing would put them in the line of landmines displaced in the floods. It’s a tough choice. The onus is now on volunteers and aid agencies to help the affected people as soon as possible. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

JAN WENNER’S FALL FROM GRACE: Jann Wenner, co-founder of Rolling Stone magazine and a prominent figure in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame board, is facing the consequences of his words. Facing backlash and removal from the board, Wenner’s ill-informed comments about black and female musicians have made him the latest victim of cancel culture. While promoting his book ‘The Masters,’ which exclusively featured interviews with white male artists, Wenner dismissively excluded black and female musicians, claiming they didn’t meet his exacting standards. This episode is a stark reminder of the significant impact words can have on a person’s reputation and public standing. Wenner’s legacy in music and publishing stands tarnished, a cautionary tale in the age of heightened sensitivity. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)

HEARTENING SHOW BY SRI LANKA AND SOUTH AFRICA: South Africa and Sri Lanka are rebuilding their cricket teams after a prolonged slump. Despite a woeful performance in the Asia Cup final, Sri Lanka showed they still have plenty of talent, edging out the world No. 1 One-Day International team, Pakistan, for a place in the final. South Africa’s defeat of Australia is even more remarkable. After being blanked in the Twenty20 series and 2-0 down in the ODI series, hosts South Africa shocked the Australians by winning the next three. These performances show that the next month’s World Cup could be a hard-fought one. (By A.K.S. Satish, Sports Editor)