From the Editors: Dubai Fitness Challenge, a huge success – yet again

DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE, A HUGE SUCCESS-YET AGAIN: The fifth edition of the annual Dubai Fitness Challenge came to a resounding close on Saturday with 146,000 people across different age groups taking part in Dubai Run on the final day that saw Sheikh Zayed Road transformed into a massive running track in the early-morning hours. What served as an icing on the cake and came as a massive boost for all the runners was the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, during Dubai Run. It was Sheikh Hamdan who took the intiative to launch the 30-day Dubai Fitness Challenge and like every other year, on this occasion too, he led Dubai residents and visitors from the front with his enthusiasm and proactive role in encouraging people to treat fitness as a way of life. As we eagerly wait for the next edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge, we thank the wise leadership of Dubai and the UAE for helping us realise the importance of staying fit and leading a healthy life. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF VACCINES IS NEED OF THE HOUR: The World Health Organisation's warning on Omicron seems ominous, and should be taken with the seriousness it deserves. The organisation's chief has said: "Omicron's very emergence is another reminder that although many of us think we are done with COVID-19, it is not done with us." WHO has said that the new variant poses a high risk of infections around the world. At a time when everyone thought the worst of COVID-19 was behind us, this warning does arise frustration. But a lot still needs to be learnt about the new variant; the idea is to take precautions and observe best practices. More equitable access to vaccines, especially in poorer countries, has assumed a new urgency in light of WHO's warnings. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

PAKISTAN SHOW CLASS IN WIN OVER BANGLADESH: Abid Ali may have fallen nine runs short of a second consecutive century, but Pakistan showed their class as they visitors chased down 202 on Tuesday to win the first Test in Chittagong by eight wickets and take the lead in the two-match series against Bangladesh. Abid, who scored 133 in Pakistan’s first innings, and Abdullah Shafique stitched together a 151-run opening partnership in the second innings to put Pakistan on the path to victory on day 5. “I am a bit disappointed that I got out for 91 in the second innings but at the same time I am happy that we won the match,” Abid said.[COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]

UAE SWINGS INTO CELEBRATION: A mere look at the action-packed events planned over the four-day UAE National Day break, which starts tomorrow, and we can gauge how far we’ve come in this pandemic journey that has robbed nearly two years of our lives and countless loved ones in this battle. As the UAE turns 50 in two days, we celebrate once again the freedom of meeting friends, of dancing the night away, of seeing the return of star-studded concerts and events and nurturing a sense of belonging in the growth of a nation that many of us call home. Whether you choose to take in a Nick Jonas concert in Abu Dhabi, watch the fireworks perched on a beach in JBR or stay at home with loved ones as the country gets into the festive spirit, do take pride in how far we’ve come today in our collective journey with the UAE. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]