From the editors: Latest budget friendly airline Wizz Air to take off on October 16

AS THE UAE REOPENS ITS DOORS TO THE WORLD: It has been observed recently that residents are becoming lax in the observation of social distancing and other protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Last week, four shopping malls faced fines as certain establishments failed to take steps to avoid crowding. On Monday, police arrested two managers of a tourism company and a DJ for organising a party for more than 100 people in an enclosed place. In the absence of a vaccine, we are all responsible for keep the virus in check. Let us behave responsibly. [COMMENT BY: Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

NEW WAR OF WORDS BETWEEN US, IRAN OVER ASSASSINATION PLOT: A bizarre alleged plot and President Donald Trump’s dramatic warning. This is the latest confrontation between America and Iran. Trump vowed any attack by Iran would be met with a response “1,000 times greater in magnitude” after reports emerged that Iran planned to avenge the killing of General Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike in January by assassinating the US ambassador to South Africa. Politico quoted two unnamed officials in its report. Iran slammed the report but the exchange indicates just how big the gap is between the two countries, and how both are doomed to remain enemies for the foreseeable future. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

US PRESIDENTIAL CONTENDERS SPAR OVER FOREST FIRES: The US presidential candidates have turned their focus to climate change after sparring over race and security over the past few weeks. Joe Biden branded President Donald Trump a "climate arsonist" on Monday for refusing to acknowledge global warming's role in deadly wildfires in the US, while Trump blamed lax forestry. Dozens of fires have raged across Oregon, California and Washington since August, destroying several small towns, destroying homes and killing at least 36 people. While the issue has been off the campaign radar for some time, the fires will give voters an idea of where the candidates stand on fighting climate change and protecting the environment. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

FRANK LAMPARD'S MEN OFF TO GOOD START: The new English Premiership completed it’s first round as Chelsea got their campaign on track after 20-year-old right back Reece James helped them to a 3-1 win at Brighton & Hove Albion with a spectacular goal last night. New signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz made their debuts up front after the German internationals joined Frank Lampard’s team from the Bundesliga during the close season. Home-bred James gave the visitors a 2-1 lead with a thunderbolt into the top corner from 25 metres before a deflected shot by central defender Kurt Zouma sealed the points. [COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

OPENING UP UAE'S AIRLINE SPACE: Choice and at ticket rates that is budget-friendly – that’s what anyone wanting to catch a flight out of the UAE will have in the coming days, as the country’s sixth airline taxies onto the runway from October 16. Already, the entry of low-cost Air Arabia Abu Dhabi is starting to influence rate patterns in some routes. And Wizz Air Abu Dhabi taking off on October 16 will provide its own dynamic on what rates could be going forward. These two budget carriers should lead to an ultra-competitive air travel market in the UAE and beyond, much like what has been seen in Europe for some years now through Ryanair and EasyJet. That’s exactly what the UAE – and the Gulf – will need at this stage of evolution for its airline industry. And an industry that needs some boosters after the COVID-19 struck it down. [COMMENT BY: Manoj Nair, Business Editor]

RUMOURS CAN CAUSE REAL DAMAGE: Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan’s name, along with two other Indian celebrities, has cropped up in a drug investigation following Sushant Singh Rajput’s death on June 14. The young star acted alongside Rajput in the movie ‘Kedarnath’ and were reportedly friends. Earlier, social media users demanded an apology on behalf of the actress for having her name pulled into the murky case by various media outlets without any proof. The NCB has yet to provide clarity and these loose claims can cause permanent damage to the careers and lives of people who are innocent until proven guilty. [ COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]