From the Editors: Dubai easing COVID-19 restrictions a sign of renewed confidence

DUBAI EASING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS A SIGN OF RENEWED CONFIDENCE: Dubai announced on Monday that it will ease the restrictions that had been imposed in order to counter the COVID-19 pandemic, with strict adherence to all precautionary measures that are in place. As part of the relaxed measures, live entertainment at hotels, restaurants and pubs, award ceremonies, community sports events and gala dinners will be allowed with immediate effect, while occupancy at hotels have been increased to 100 per cent of their capacities. This easing of restrictions is yet another example of how well Dubai and the UAE have battled the pandemic and have ensured safety for its residents and visitors over the last several months. As entertainment and leisure activities resume, residents and visitors must do their bit to ensure they comply with the safety measures at all times and without any exception. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH NOW: How much do you work? A new report by the UN says that working more than 55 hours a week increases the risk of death from heart disease and stroke. The authors synthesised data from dozens of studies involving hundreds of thousands of participants. The report is an early warning for those of us who work at their desks and lead sedentary lifestyles. Rather than wait for an illness or disease to strike, get up and walk around. Take care of your health now, before it is too late. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

FEDERER THE GOAT GETS SERENA WILLIAMS VOTE: Who is the greatest men’s tennis player of all time (GOAT) ? The debate continues, 23-times Grand Slam winner Serena Williams has no doubts in her mind: it’s got to be Roger Federer. ‘’I think two words sum it up: Roger Federer,’’ said Serena, a strong contender for the mantle in women’s tennis who had been chasing a 24th major title to equal Margaret Court's record. ‘’He's just a synopsis of greatness and class and amazing and really changed the game. You see players playing like him, moving like him, doing his techniques. The guy is (a) genius,’’ she added. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

ARIANA GRANDE’S HAPPY ENDING: If there’s anyone who deserves her happy ending then it’s Ariana Grande, who leaves a tumultuous few years behind her to secretly wed her luxury real estate agent fiancé Dalton Gomez. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at their California home with less than 20 people present. Grande has had a rough ride, from the Manchester bombing at her concert to failed relationships and the death of an ex-boyfriend. Perhaps this is why the wedding news has left fans cheering from the sidelines, hoping for her happily ever after. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]