From the Editors: Creativity at its best in the UAE

CREATIVITY AT ITS BEST IN THE UAE: The launch of the UAE’s national strategy for cultural and creative industries ahead of the World Conference on Creative Economy beginning today will help further tap creativity and ensure that the cultural and creative industries sector contributes to the economy, raise the average income of workers and the average spending of families on cultural goods and services. More enterprises and more jobs will mean a big boost to creative talent, which is very welcome. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

MERKEL WILL BE MISSED IN GERMANY-AND INTERNATIONALLY: Angela Merkel is leaving the political stage after being at the helm of Germany for 16 years. In her time as the leader of one the world’s foremost industrial powers, she remained wildly popular. Germany’s first female chancellor won plaudits for her role in increasing her country’s profile and holding the European Union together through her economic policies. But internationally, she cemented her reputation as both a pragmatist and a humanitarian by her approach to the refugee crisis in 2015 and 2016. As hundreds of thousands of refugees flooded into Europe - especially from Syria - Merkel opened the doors to them. Not only was this gesture one aimed at providing a second chance to those who had lost everything, it was also aimed at opening Germany up to a new set of residents who will grow up in the German system, and contribute in the future to the German economy. Merkel’s departure is truly the end of an era, and she will be missed both on the national and international stages. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

THE ASHES: ENGLAND DEALT ANDERSON BLOW AHEAD OF GABBA TEST: In less than 24 hours, cricket’s oldest rivalry will get under way at the Gabba in Brisbane. However, visitors England were dealt a body blow as their veteran spearhead Anderson - Test cricket’s most prolific fast bowler - will not play at the Gabba. ‘’He's obviously a great player and it’s a shame that he won't be out there tomorrow, but it doesn't change what we are going to do,’’ said the Australian captain Pat Cummins, who will be taking charge of his first Test. Anderson’s apparent absence leaves England to choose four bowlers from Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad and Jack Leach to play alongside returning all-rounder Ben Stokes. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

QUESTIONING THE RELEVANCE OF THE GRAMMYS: Rapper Drake has withdrawn his two nominations from voting ahead of the January 31 Grammy Awards ceremony. While his representatives haven’t explained the reasoning behind this move, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he did in spite against the Recording Academy. He has in the past hit out at the organisation, saying that the real mark of good music comes from fan appreciation. The academy has come under fire in recent years for ignoring musicians who’ve made a real impact on the charts, YouTube, streaming and in popular culture. The question remains: are the Grammys and its nominations system still relevant? [COMMENT: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]