From the Editors: Mental health is no longer a taboo in UAE

MENTAL HEALTH IS NO LONGER A TABOO IN UAE: Mental health issues have drawn more attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The subject also came under discussion at Mohamed bin Zayed Majlis for Future Generations held in Abu Dhabi on Sunday to encourage people to seek help for any mental health issues. Tackling of this subject is relevant and timely especially in a post COVID-19 world ravaged by anxiety and depression. Help is readily available as the UAE has launched two hotlines to support residents’ mental health. It is also duty of family members and community support groups to come forward and help those facing mental health problems in these difficult times. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

HANDLING OF CLAPHAM VIGIL COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER: The Metropolitan Police is facing a backlash from all angles having dragged mourners out of a vigil held for Sarah Everard who is suspected of being killed by an officer of the law. Police were seen grabbing and leading women away from the event in handcuffs. The UK government is demanding the police account for its heavy handed actions - but many believe they did the right thing as people should not be gathering due to the country’s COVID-19 restrictions. The vigil, although held for the right reasons, could have become a super spreader event. Mass gatherings are still banned and that means people broke the law by attending the wake. This is a very delicate matter; on one hand we have a murder demanding justice and on the other we have strict restrictions which we must follow to curb the spread of the virus. Could the police have acted more sympathetically? Yes. Should a vigil have been held while we battle against a dangerous virus? No. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

IS THE NEW ARSENAL HERE? SPURS STUNNED BY GUNNERS IN GAME OF SURPRISE: The North London derby at the Emirates on Sunday evening was electric as new Arsenal signings shone bright, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the much-needed dose of drama. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta benched captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang due to an unspecified disciplinary breach (allegedly showing up late) and Spurs star Heung-Min Son had to come off at the 19th minute with a hamstring injury, so both teams were missing crucial players. Son’s replacement Lamela however, scored a stunningly precise nutmeg rabona within 15 minutes of coming on — a goal that you and I will be watching on repeat for a while. But that was it for the Spurs’ accomplishments. Arsenal came back with a vengeance from a goal behind, as new guy on the block Martin Odegaard, 22, equalised before half-time. From rabona to red, Lamela picked up two yellows and was sent off at the 76th minute, but Arsenal had already secured their win against an 11-man team by then, thanks to a 64th minute winning pen from Alexandre Lacazette. Reckless defending on Arsenal’s behalf led to several free kicks, but Harry Kane struggled to make lemonade out of lemon. The most exciting 30 seconds of the match came when one of Kane’s free-kicks hit the post and Davinson Sanchez redirected the rebound powerfully towards the net, only for 23-year-old Gabriel (who debuted for Arsenal this season) to heroically block it with his head. After a wonderful showing from the new guys, North London is red. [COMMENT BY: Marwa Hamad, Assistant Editor]

WOMEN FINALLY HAVE THEIR MOMENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT THE GRAMMYS: It was a night of historic wins, with women sweeping the top four awards at the Grammys at a time when the Recording Academy is under fire for lack of inclusivity and corruption. Beyonce earned her 28th win to become the most decorated woman in Grammy history. She also tied Quincy Jones for second place among all Grammy winners. Elsewhere, Taylor Swift became the first female performer to win album of the year three times, while H.E.R. won song of the year and Billie Eilish picked up record of the year. Yet, even as history was made, the Grammys has been under fire from artists such as The Weeknd and Zayn Malik for its lack of transparency. Malik took to Twitter once again to blast the Recording Academy ahead of the awards to say: “I’m keeping the pressure on & fighting for transparency & inclusion. We need to make sure we are honoring and celebrating “creative excellence” of ALL.” Only time will tell how this will play out. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]