From the Editors: 10 million visitors marks a reaffirmation of Expo 2020 Dubai

10 MILLION VISIT-MARK A REAFFIRMATION OF EXPO 2020 DUBAI’S POPULARITY: It’s been a little more than three months since Expo 2020 Dubai opened its doors to the world. And in these three months, which is just the half way-mark for the mega global event that concludes on March 31, Expo 2020 Dubai has registered more than ten million visits. From ways to promote sustainable living to culinary delights from around the world, from the use of artificial intelligence in our everyday lives to promoting a green economy … Expo 2020 Dubai is an exposition on all that’s bright and brilliant in contemporary society around the world. It also serves as a platform to showcase the best way forward for mankind in the years ahead. With its rich array of cultural activities and entertainment ensembles from all over the planet, Expo 2020 Dubai has turned out to be a global hot spot for promoting and showcasing all that’s best about life and lifestyle in UAE and in societies around the world. The ten million visit-mark is just an affirmation of this mega event’s popularity and phenomenal success in bringing the world under one umbrella. And mind you, we still have three more months to go before the curtain comes down. So, come along, let’s explore the world at Expo 2020 Dubai. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

COVID-19 IS 'NOWHERE NEAR OVER' - SO WORD MUST CONTINUE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS:The WHO has told world leaders that COVID-19 "is nowhere near over". This follows a relaxing of guard in some places on the assumption that the new Omicron variant is much milder and poses less of a threat. The statement comes as cases skyrocket in many parts of the world. Europe has seen record numbers, with France reporting half a million cases daily. In the US, the numbers are out of control. In the past week alone, Omicron has led to 18 million new infections across the world. Governments must rush to ensure people get vaccinated and they must also maintain COVID-19 precautionary protocols. The WHO boss said: "Make no mistake, Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities." We should take his words very seriously and maintain our guard. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

A PROBLEM OF PLENTY FOR UAE GOLF LOVERS: Starting tomorrow, golf will occupy the pride of place in the sporting calendar of the UAE for the next one month. If the ‘Desert Swing’ had historically comprised of three weeks of European Tour events (now DP World Tour) in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Qatar, it’s now extended to four with the Al Hamra Golf Club being designated two back-to-back events with the cancellation of Qatar Masters on Tuesday. It’s a huge endorsement for the UAE as a global golfing destination and as the celebrated golf guru Peter Cowen puts it – ‘not bad’ for a country with barely 20 golf clubs in all. With the weather conditions perfect, it’s the right time for the golf aficionados to brace up for the tee-time.[COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

POSTPONING THE GRAMMY AWARDS IS THE RIGHT THING TO: With the news that the Grammy Awards will move to April 3 from its original January 31 event, the recording academy should be lauded for doing the responsible thing with the rise in COVID-19 cases in the US. The news comes shortly after the Sundance Film Festival announced its annual event will go online from January 20, while the Critic’s Choice Awards has also been pushed. The onus isn’t just on individuals but organisations as well for taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of the wider population. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]