DXB’s efforts have paid off and Dubai Arab podcasters’ hub, our editors comment on the top stories of November 22

DXB KEEPS REVISING ITS FORECASTS – UPWARDS: It was just a question of by how much – no one would have been surprised by Dubai International Airports having to revise full-year 2022 passenger number forecasts higher. With a World Cup on and end-of-year festivities good to go with a flourish, DXB is well within its rights to do so. But the hard yards were run in the third quarter too, with the final passenger tally in the July to September phase scoring with 18.5 million passengers handled. What that shows is DXB starting to get back to pre-Covid quarterly numbers. Look to these numbers because they also tell that the Dubai strategy – honed in the tough still early days of Covid – have paid off. These numbers do tell a story… (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

DUBAI BECOMES HUB OF ARAB PODCASTERS: The Dubai Press Club (DPC) has announced the ‘Arab Podcasters’ programme to foster the growth of the podcasting industry in the region. The programme, launched at the Dubai PodFest 2022 seeks to accelerate the growth of the sector by introducing initiatives that address various drivers of industry development including technology, capacity building, public-private partnerships and industry events. It is a timely move, as podcasts are increasingly becoming one of the most trusted mediums for people to consume content within the region. The ‘Arab Podcasters’ programme will further consolidate Dubai’s position as a key market for podcasting and the leading hub for digital media and audio content production in the Arab world. (By Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

ENGLAND SCORE SIX AGAINST IRAN BUT SOUTHGATE SAYS THEY MUST IMPROVE: After England’s incredible start to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 where they thrashed Iran 6-2 coach Gareth Southgate said the team put down a great marker. However, he also said they must be better in their final two group games. The coach was disappointed not to have gotten a clean sheet. The Three Lions had stormed into a 4-0 lead and after several substitutes were introduced the team seemed to take their foot off the pedal. Losing Harry Maguire to concussion gave Iran a bit of hope and Mehdi Teremi pulled one back. England added two more before Taremi got their second from the spot. His double highlighted to Southgate England’s need for defensive improvement. They face the USA next, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Wales last night, on Friday and that will be a much tougher test than their opener. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

A BOOST FOR BOLLYWOOD: Veteran actor Ajay Devgn has hit it out of the park with his latest movie ‘Drishyam 2’. The remake of the Malayalam movie of the same name has been making a big impact at the box office just a few days since its release, and it is getting good reviews from audiences and critics alike. Social media users have also pointed out that movie lovers still enjoy going to the cinema — but they’re doing so for films with strong storylines and great acting. At the end of the day, audiences want to spend their money on the right kind of entertainment, not just projects with expensive CGI and flashy cast members. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Entertainment)