From the Editors: Dubai’s green spaces, colourful blooms a veritable treat

DUBAI’S GREEN SPACES, COLOURFUL BLOOMS A VERITABLE TREAT: Imagine nearly 44 million square metres of greenery in a desert? Well, that’s the latest figure on Dubai’s green spaces that come under Dubai Municipality. Having planted 170,000 trees in various locations last year, the civic body surpassed its daily targets. At this rate, Dubai will soon become a garden city, its colourful blooms, especially during the winter months, proving to be yet another attraction. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

UKRAINE’S COMMENTS IN FACE OF CURRENT CRISIS UNHELPFUL: As 130,000 Russian troops amass on its borders, and there are serious warnings about an imminent invasion, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s spokesman said that NATO and EU membership are a priority for Ukraine. This despite the fact that the country’s envoy to the UK was quoted as saying Ukraine was willing to be “flexible” over its goal to join NATO. Comments like the one from the presidential spokesman have the potential of adding fuel to the fire. Russia has repeatedly said that a Ukraine that is a NATO member is an unacceptable proposition for Moscow’s security interests. Most analysts believe that if there is a Russian invasion, it would be due to the NATO issue. So, in a situation like this, why is the presidential spokesman stoking the flames? [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

FASCINATING TITLE BATTLE WILL GO DOWN TO THE WIRE: Liverpool grabbed three vital points against Burnley in what was a potential banana skin for the Reds. Trailing Premier League leader Manchester City by 12 points before the game, it was imperative that Jurgen Klopp’s side overcame the tough test at Turf Moor to remain in contention for the title. They are now 9 points behind Pep Guardiola’s team and have a game in hand. If they win that then the gap will be further reduced to 6 points and, remember, the two sides must still play against each other one more time in April. If Liverpool were to win that game too, then the gap is just 3 points. With 14 games left to play, there are going to be many more twists and turns as the entire world watches this intriguing title battle.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

CAN THERE BE A BETTER VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT THAN UAE CINEMAS RETURNING TO FULL CAPACITY ONCE AGAIN? With this latest news, we can finally say that we have turned yet another page in this pandemic in a bid to return to normalcy. And this edict couldn’t come at a better time with three major Hollywood films rolling into cinemas over the weekend, including ‘Marry Me’, starring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson, which would make for a perfect Valentine date night outing. But if venturing outdoors on a school night is a bit of a stretch, then do take a look at our Valentine’s Day watchlist with some classic and unconventional picks for a romantic night in. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]