From the Editors: Let’s keep the UAE roads safe

LET’S KEEP OUR ROADS SAFE: The opening of a new 170-metre bridge at the intersection of Nad Al Sheba and Dubai-Al Ain Road demonstrates yet again the proactive manner in which the Dubai Road Transport Authority functions, anticipating demand well in advance. That such a project was completed in record time with minimal or no inconvenience to commuters is also to be commended. Dubai’s roads and bridges are among the best in the world. We have also been provided the widest choice of cars in the city. As residents, we would do well to do our bit too by driving cautiously and ensuring that the impeccable roads are safe at all times. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

SUMMER OF NATURAL DISASTERS: It’s been a summer of wildfires, drought and floods. Three large wildfires across Greece have threatened towns and resulted in mass evacuations. In the US, authorities are searching for five people missing as a huge wildfire raged in northern California. Turkey has been ravaged by its most destructive wildfires in recent years. Human habitats and crops have been destroyed. Elsewhere in Europe, China and India floods have wreaked havoc. All these have put the focus back on the urgency of tackling climate change. A major report due to be published this week on the subject by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) will be a good source of information. It should also encourage and propel governments into action to work towards tackling global warming and climate change. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

ALL EYES WILL BE ON MESSI’S NEWS CONFERENCE TODAY: Lionel Messi’s representatives are in talks with Paris St-Germain in France over a possible move to the Ligue 1 side following his exit from Barcelona after 21 years. Messi’s camp contacted PSG on Thursday after it became clear that the Argentine ace would not be extending his stay with the Spanish giants due to financial restrictions placed by La Liga. More talks will take place today before Messi is expected to give a news conference at 2pm UAE time. It will be extremely interesting to see what he has to say on the matter of leaving Barcelona, and if he reveals who he is joining with English champions Man City also believed to want the free agent. 34-year-old Messi has been available since July 1 when his contract with Barca ended. The Argentina captain is the Catalans record scorer with 672. He won 10 La Liga titles, four Champions Leagues and seven Copa del Reys, as well as claiming the Ballon d'Or on a record six occasions.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

BOLLYWOOD’S BIOPIC DREAMS COME ALIVE: As Indians bask in reflected glory of Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra’s glorious Olympic gold medal win, there’s a good chance that Bollywood is hard at work to buy the rights to make a rousing biopic. Memes are already flying furiously on social media with netizens joking that Bollywood’s serial biopic star Akshay Kumar might already be scrambling to play the 23-year-old athlete on the big screen. It’s no secret that Bollywood has enjoyed a lasting affair with its love for inspiring biopics and Kumar seems to be the king of playing roles in inspiring biopics that tickle the patriot in us. But there’s a twist in this tale. Many are clamouring for Chopra, who boasts of Bollywood matinee idol looks, to play the part in his own biopic. Stranger casting choices have unfurled in Bollywood films, so the thought of Chopra in Bollywood doesn’t seem like a crazy shot. [COMMENT BY: Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Assistant Editor Features]