From the Editors: Gratitude as UAE marks Golden Jubilee

GRATITUDE AS UAE MARKS GOLDEN JUBILEE: The unveiling of the grand plans for the UAE Golden Jubilee celebrations across the different emirates are indeed befitting. This is an occasion which everyone in the UAE genuinely wants to be part of, considering that the country means so much to them. It’s a feeling shared by both long-timers and newcomers who do not miss an opportunity to express their love for and gratitude to the country. That they are here when the UAE is marking this milestone is itself a privilege. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

WESTERN EUROPE NEEDS TO GET ITS ACT TOGETHER: While many countries and regions around the world are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel as far as the COVID-19 crisis is concerned, the pandemic appears to be making an alarming comeback in some parts of the world. Cases in key global regions, like Western Europe, are rising dramatically, forcing governments to implement draconian lockdowns. The fact that cases seem to be increasing in developed countries where there is no shortage of vaccines is particularly frustrating as one of the main reasons is people's attitudes towards vaccination. The so-called 'anti-vaxxers' are not only endangering their own health but also the health of others and the econonomies of their nations. No one is safe until everyone is safe. They need to realise this.[COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

MUBADALA TENNIS: ANDY MURRAY COMPLETES A STELLAR LINE-UP: Abu Dhabi is ready to make way for the best in tennis after two-time champion Andy Murray was confirmed as the eighth and final star player for the 13th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, which returns this year from December 16-18 at the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City. The signing of crowd favourite Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and double Olympic singles gold medallist, completes a stellar eight-player line-up as he returns 12 years on from his victory in the inaugural edition. Murray, a champion in 2009 and 2015, joins a field featuring three of the world’s top 10 male players: Andrey Rublev (No.5); Rafael Nadal (6) and Scandinavian star Casper Ruud (No.8). [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

IT’S TIME TO RIDE THE K-WAVE: From BTS winning top honours at the American Music Awards to Netflix presenting yet another K-drama that has overthrown ‘Squid Game’ from its top perch after 46 consecutive days, it appears the Korean cultural wave is unstoppable. South Korean superstars BTS were crowned artist of the year at the AMAs on Sunday, brushing aside challenges from Taylor Swift, Drake and The Weeknd as they took home a total of three awards, including favourite pop group and favourite pop song for ‘Butter.’ Elsewhere, the ‘Squid Game’ phenomenon has held the world enraptured with its dystopian premise making the hit K-drama the number one on Netflix for nearly six weeks before it was toppled by the South Korean horror series ‘Hellbound’, which became the number one show in 80 countries within 24 hours of release. The growing popularity of the Korean Wave, with its export of pop culture, entertainment, music, TV dramas and movies, is a rapidly building Tsunami that is poised to give Hollywood a stiff competition in the coming years. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]