From the Editors: Big boost for education in the UAE

BIG BOOST FOR EDUCATION IN THE UAE: With yesterday’s announcement of a major revamp in the UAE’s education system, the standard of learning in the country is poised to take a big leap forward. Already, students from the UAE, who have made an emphatic mark in different fields of education, are a force to reckon with globally. New appointments and formation of multiple entities to look into specific aspects of schooling and college education will help further develop the sector and enhance student performance and educational outcomes. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

UAE’S NEW WEALTH CREATORS: Abu Dhabi’s latest IPO has rolled in, with Borouge opening subscriptions at Dh2.45 a share. What’s been impressive is the line up of cornerstone investors, including Abu Dhabi’s powerhouses IHC, Alpha Dhabi and Multiply. No surprises there, because these are the names behind some of the biggest private and public investment plays in and out of Abu Dhabi in recent times. There is also one other name that could show up more frequently, India’s Adani and family; the billionaire is ramping up his presence here, including an investment in the T20 league. And the Borouge subscription comes just days after IHC completed a Dh7 billion stake buy in three Adani owned clean energy enterprises in India. The two-way investment flow between the countries is clearly picking up speed. [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

GUARDIOLA SAYS CHAMPIONS MAN CITY ARE LEGENDS: After securing their fourth Premier League title in five season, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola says his team are “legends”. City won the title on the final day of a thrilling season by beating Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium 3-2. They were trailing 2-0 with just 15 minutes remaining and with Liverpool needing to beat Wolves the trophy looked to be heading to Anfield. But City struck 3 times in a blistering 5 minutes spell to win the match and the title by 1 point over the Reds. It was a fabulous end to a campaign that has had many twists and turns but ultimately City proved they were the best team yet again as they successfully defended their title. Incredibly, it is Guardiola’s 11th trophy since he came to England just 6 years ago. “We are legends. We will be remembered. This group of players are absolutely eternal in this club,” said the coach. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

KARTIK AARYAN’S SWEET REVENGE AT THE BOLLYWOOD BOX-OFFICE: There was a lot riding on Kartik Aaryan when his horror comedy ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ released last Friday. It was his first theatrical release after the pandemic and it was his first big film after his massive fall-out with Bollywood movie mogul Karan Johar. A split with someone like Johar has often cost actors heavily in the past, but Aaryan has seemingly bucked the trend and is now ahead of that curve. ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ is raking in the moolah at the box-office and is touted as his biggest opener in his career. It got a bigger opening than Johar’s star discovery Alia Bhatt’s ‘Gangubhai Kathiawadi’. While this might come as a relief to a self-made actor like Aaryan, it’s also good news for the Hindi entertainment industry going through a rough patch with its films not doing as well as expected at the box-office. Here’s to Aaryan for surviving a big bump in his career and living to tell that triumphant tale. [COMMENT BY: Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Assistant Editor Features]