From a new exhibit of artefacts at the Louvre Abu Dhabi to India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash, our editors comment on the top stories of September 4

UAE’s PAST REFLECTED IN ITS PRESENT: The ancient history of what is now the UAE can now be explored through a new exhibit of artefacts dating back thousands of years, at the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum. Vessels, weapons and jewellery from different cultures and locations from across the country are on loan at the museum. One revelation demonstrated by the collection is that “international” trade was thriving in the area – as can be seen from a pottery and tableware from Mesopotamia, Roman Empire, the Indus Valley and Chinese empire. Modern-day UAE is also a hub for trade and cross-cultural exchange. [By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor]

UAE WALKS THE SUSTAINABILITY TALK: When it comes to clean and sustainable energy, the UAE believes in walking the talk. Sharif Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, yesterday affirmed the UAE's commitment to collaboration with the international community to confront challenges facing the global energy sector, laying special emphasis on clean energy and sustainability. If we look at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) alone, we can get an idea of how seriously UAE is taking this commitment. Clean energy now comprises 11.4 per cent of DEWA’s energy mix, and the utility has contributed in the reduction of 73 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from 2006 to 2021. It is leading research to improve solar photovoltaic technologies to mitigate the effects of dust and extreme desert conditions, and also working on sustainable solutions for the desalination and purification of water using solar power, thereby reducing resource use by minimising brine effluent. DEWA is also signatory of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) -- the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, with over 13,000 corporate participants in more than 170 countries – since 2017. The ultimate target: A transition to 100 per cent renewable and clean energy by 2050. [Anupam Varma, Assistant Editor]

INDIA AND PAKISTAN SET FOR ANOTHER EPIC BATTLE IN DUBAI: India and Pakistan face each other again tonight in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2022 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. If the match is anything like the first encounter between the two teams then we will be in for a real treat. India won that in the last over with just 2 balls remaining. It was Hardik Pandya who was the match winner but the fact the game went down to the wire tells us there is very little to separate the sides. India have won both their league stage games and it looks like Virat Kohli is regaining form too. But Pakistan come into the match on the back of a massive 155 run win over Hong Kong with young pacer Naseem Shah looking particularly impressive and so they will be feeling confident. This has the makings of another thriller. [By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

ARTEMIS DELAY NO REASON FOR DESPAIR: Nasa may have scrapped its latest attempt to get the Artemis 1 mission off the ground, but that is no reason why we should give up hope. A leak near the base of the rocket was found as ultra-cold liquid hydrogen was being pumped in, forcing a halt. The current launch window ends on Tuesday and the next possible one is in mid-September extending into October. Future moon-bound journeys with humans aboad will rely on the success of this mission. Mannequins equipped with sensors are standing in for astronauts on the Artemis 1 mission and will record acceleration, vibration and radiation levels. So it is better to get things right this time as a lot depends on it. [By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]