From the Editors: EXPO 2020 Dubai - The world at Dubai's doorstep

THE WORLD AT DUBAI’S DOORSTEP: With just a week to go for EXPO 2020 Dubai, the excitement in the air is unmistakable. That Dubai can pull off an event of such a scale when many cities are still grappling with the pandemic worldwide speaks volumes for the exemplary leadership. As residents, it is equally our responsibility to do what is expected of us to ensure the city welcomes the world at its doorstep and plays the perfect host that it is. It is indeed a proud moment for everyone living in Dubai. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

A MUCH-NEEDED GESTURE IN AFGHANISTAN: The US decision to ensure that aid flows to Afghanistan despite sanctions is a relief for the people and a positive gesture in difficult times. Two licences have been issued, one allowing the US government, NGOs and other international organisations to engage in transactions with the Taliban that are necessary to provide humanitarian assistance. The second authorises transactions related to the export and re-export of food, medicine and medical devices. The Afghan people desperately need medicines and aid, and countries around the world must do everything possible to ensure that they are taken care of. All efforts must be made to avert a humanitarian setback. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

WHAT DOES JOSHUA DO NEXT AFTER SHOCK DEFEAT? Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk produced an incredible performance last night in London to become the new unified heavyweight world champion. He dethroned Anthony Joshua in front of 65,000 fans over 12 rounds. It is now unclear where Joshua, who now has two defeats to his name, goes from here. The defending champion, who saw a fight with fellow Brit Tyson Fury collapse last summer, was hurt on several occasions by Usyk. Many thought it would be an easy fight for Joshua but it was anything but as the challenger dominated. It was a poor display from Joshua and this defeat leaves his legacy as one of the heavyweight greats in ruins. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

BOLLYWOOD IS BACK IN BUSINESS AS CINEMAS REOPEN IN MAHARASHTRA: Bollywood is back in business as cinemas reopen in Maharashtra, signaling the fall of the final hurdle that has stalled the roll out of films by the world’s biggest movie-making industry for more than a year. The COVID-19 pandemic may have resulted in unsurmountable losses for movie studios and theatre owners in India, but now isn’t the time to mourn, but rejoice. Akshay Kumar, who was one of a handful of Bollywood stars to release his film in the midst of a raging pandemic with ‘Bell Bottom’ screening earlier this month, is steering the ship once again as his much-awaited ‘Sooryavanshi’ releases in theatres worldwide this Diwali. It has been a long journey, but now is finally the time for Bollywood and its millions of fans to celebrate with abandon. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]