From the Editors: ‘Dubai can’ is proof UAE residents can save the environment

‘DUBAI CAN’ IS PROOF UAE RESIDENTS CAN SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT: Latest figures show that ‘Dubai Can’, which aims to phase out single-use plastic bottles, saved at least a quarter of a million of such bottles from ending up in the landfill within a month of setting up water refill stations. It means residents are carrying their reusable bottles at work, at school and on the go. By the end of the year, at least 50 refill stations will pop up at various locations across Dubai, making it even easier to ditch single-use plastic bottles, which are a major source of environmental pollution and threat to animals and marine life. Come July, the next phase will see a tariff on single-use plastic shopping bags – another motivator to switch to sustainable options. The initiative shows how each one of us can make a difference. [COMMENT BY: Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor]

A TIMELY INTERVENTION ON UAE RETAIL PRICES: The UAE Ministry of Economy has been quick on its feet in trying to get a grip on price inflation, especially when it comes to imported essentials. The announcement that it would conducting weekly retailer checks on listed prices and comparing them with those in other Gulf markets is a strategy that should work well. Because there is no denying that commodity inflation is one of the key risks that the global economy is confronting, and it could get a whole lot worse in the retail prices of foodstuffs. This is why the UAE Ministry has placed under its scanner up to 300 essentials, including fish, meat, grains and bread. At the same time, there is also some flexibility offered to retailers, if import prices keep climbing. This is one check and balance that will be welcome by UAE consumers. [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: CAN ATLETICO SWITCH INTO ATTACKING MODE TONIGHT? Atletico Madrid, whose ‘parking the bus’ tactic came in for sharp criticism after their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the first leg quarter finals of Uefa Champions League last week, need to change their style at home tonight. Any chance Atletico have of getting back into the tie relies on them sooner or later changing the tactics – and City’s playmaker Kevin de Bruyne feels they will at some point. ‘’I think the Atletico game will be a little bit tight at the beginning but it has to change if the score stays the same. I don't expect it to be a similar game to the first leg,’’ the Dutch star said. The winners will take on Real Madrid in one of the semi-finals. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

WEDDING BELLS ARE IN THE AIR: We love a big, fat Indian wedding and we love it even more if the bride and groom are Bollywood A-listers like Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. But here’s the dampener. While this couple have always been open about their relationship and their growing adoration for each other, they have suddenly turned coy and private when it comes to their wedding arrangements. But the paparazzi in Mumbai are a hardy lot and they refuse to give up. They have been camping outside Ranbir Kapoor’s home day and night to get a few visuals and are willing to bite at any nuggets of information that’s being thrown at them. So trite details like Bhatt’s driver has dressed up in Indian gear and therefore the wedding rituals have begun at their residences is now doing the rounds. Talk about clutching at straws. We wish the loved-up couple just made everyone’s lives a bit easier by releasing statements and photographs by the end of it all in a professional manner. Right now, what we have is a media circus that seems to be covering this wedding like it’s some momentous scientific discovery. The voyeurs in us are getting a bit desperate. [COMMENT BY: Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Assistant Editor Features]