Explore Emirati traditions at Sharjah festival; Britain, Italy, Japan join hands to build a combat jet, our editors comment on the top stories of December 10

See how the desert has shaped Emirati culture: Celebrating and preserving UAE’s heritage is rightfully ever-present on the country’s priority list and the just-opened Sharjah Desert Theatre Festival presents an opportunity to explore the traditions and values of the nation. Little known to foreigners are Bedouin folktales passed down the generations, which have now been enacted through an open-air theatre. What’s intriguing to learn is how the natural terrain – the desert – has shaped the customs and values of the people of this land. This interplay of nature and man is on show at the festival being held till December 13 in Al Kihaif area of the Sharjah emirate. [COMMENT BY: By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor]

New combat jet to exceed F-35 capabilities: Britain, Italy and Japan are joining forces to build a next-generation fighter jet that can use artificial intelligence amid heightened security concerns in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. It marks Japan’s first major industrial defence collaboration beyond the US since World War Two. The climax to months of talks aims to put an advanced frontline fighter and pack of drones and sensors into operation by 2035 by combining the British-led Future Combat Air System, known as Tempest, with Japan’s F-X in a venture called the Global Combat Air Programme. Japan said the new fighter jet aimed to exceed the capabilities of existing models like F-35. The project is the latest high-profile example of allied countries collaborating on an ad-hoc basis to develop defence equipment. Such moves proved controversial last year, however, when the US snatched a lucrative contract to supply Australia with submarines from under French noses. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R; Senior Associate Editor]

England versus France should have been the final: England will take on France tonight in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and with both teams in top form right now this would have made for an epic final. Both have been scoring goals for fun and playing with creativity and drive. It is a pity we will be losing one of them later and it will be very interesting to see who advances, and how. Are we going to see the lottery of another penalty shootout? Or will there be too much quality on show to even allow the match to enter extra time? France are the champions and will be hoping to defend their title and will look to star man Kylian Mbappe to get them into the next round. But the Three Lions have plenty of match winners of their own and if Phil Foden is given time and space on the ball he can do some serious damage. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

Twitter loses another big star: Pop legend Elton John is the latest to leave Twitter following its takeover by controversial billionaire Elon Musk. Other celebrities such as Jim Carrey, Gigi Hadid and Whoopi Goldberg have also left due to their disagreement over how the social media website is being run. It’s sad because Twitter has been one of the most important tools for artists, actors and musicians to communicate with their fans all over the world. If anyone needs an update about their favourite star, they go to Twitter first. The changes that are taking place aren’t just bad for regular users, but it’s bad for artists — especially small ones — who need it as part of their work. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Entertainment]