From the Editors: Dubai Fitness Challenge is back with a bang

LET’S RAISE THE BAR FOR OURSELVES: With the Dubai Fitness Challenge returning in its fifth edition today, it is a great opportunity for us to do some inward looking. Just how fit are we? Besides going in for that annual medical check-up, it is worth reviewing our diet and exercise regimes, so we are on top of things. The UAE offers any number of avenues to for us to stay active and we must make the most of it. With each passing year, we must try and raise the bar for ourselves. It’s a great challenge to take up and overcome. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

LEBANON OFFICIALS MUST CONCERN THEMSELVES WITH SAVING THEIR OWN COUNTRY: It is indeed surprising that officials of a country as steeped in turmoil as Lebanon have the audacity and the bad judgement to make unfounded and ridiculous statements on the policies of other Arab states - especially those that have long stood by Lebanon. Saudi Arabia and the UAE summoned Lebanese envoys to protest the comments made by George Kurdahi, before he took office as information minister, about the Saudi-led military intervention in Yemen. Such verbal assaults will only have one outcome: They will increase the already big distance between Lebanon and other Arab states. That a country in the throes of what the World Bank has described as the biggest economic collapse since the 19th century finds it necessary to comment on the security objectives of other states beggars belief. Lebanese ministers will do well to instead concentrate on taking their country out of its present mess. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

STRUGGLING BARCELONA SACK KOEMAN AS COACH: Barcelona have sacked coach Ronald Koeman following another disappointing defeat in the La Liga last night. It spells the end of the Dutchman’s tumultuous 14 months in charge at the Nou Camp during which time the club had to let star man Lionel Messi leave due to financial restraints. Ever since the Argentinian’s departure, Barca’s form has been woeful. They have only picked up 15 points from 10 games this season and sit 9th in the table after losing 1-0 against Rayo Vallecano. It was the first time they lost 3 consecutive away matches without scoring a goal since 1987. They have also already lost twice in this season’s Champions League but the one the hurt the most was the Clasico defeat last weekend after which an angry mob had formed in the club’s car park and blocked the coach from leaving the stadium. The fans have wanted Koeman out for some time now and have got their way. He will say goodbye to the squad today but the search for his replacement would have started months ago and it can’t be long before a new man is unveiled to take charge of the struggling giants and attempt to salvage the campaign. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

A DOWN-TO-EARTH STAR: Actor Keanu Reeves’ generosity and humaneness is the stuff of Hollywood legend. He has largely lived a controversy-free life and is as wholesome as they come. He has showed this side of himself again as he splurged on Rolex watches for his ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’ stuntmen. The pricey watches also had engraved backs that featured a message from the actor. Reeves had previously gifted his ‘The Matrix’ stuntmen with Harley-Davidson motorcycles to show his thanks. It’s refreshing to see a massive global star remain so humble and generous, in defiance of celebrity culture. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]