From the Editors: New guidelines on vaccine certification a huge relief for incoming passengers to UAE

NEW GUIDELINE ON VACCINE CERTIFICATION A HUGE RELIEF FOR INCOMING PASSENGERS TO UAE: UAE authorities announced yesterday that starting August 15, vaccination certificates issued in other countries will be accepted for travel to UAE. According to protocol, only approved vaccines will be accepted in the UAE and will show on the Al Hosn App. This should come as a huge relief to all those travellers, particularly UAE residents, who were stuck in their home countries following the flight ban over COVID-19. Once the flight restrictions were eased last week, there was a doubt regarding this issue of whether vaccination ought to have been completed in the UAE or in one’s home country, in order to be able to fly into the UAE. With the latest clarification, UAE authorities have once again stood by the interest of the residents and other travellers in helping dispel doubts and ease travel norms for all those who need to return to the UAE at the earliest, while also ensuring strict adherence to health and safety protocols. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

A FALL FROM GRACE: It was a reversal of fortune for one of America’s best-known leaders. A year ago, he was being hailed as a national hero for his leadership during the pandemic. Then came March, and the Democratic governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, was pleading innocence and apologising, saying: “I never harassed anyone, I never abused anyone,... ” His remarks seemed like he was buying time and several prominent Democrats asked Cuomo to quit. Five months later, Cuomo announced his resignation. The resignation came a week after a report from the New York state attorney general concluded that the governor sexually harassed nearly a dozen women. Cuomo is now reaping what he has sown. However, in his exit, Cuomo has had a small part in a milestone: Lt. Governor Kathy Hochu will be the first woman to occupy New York state’s top office.[COMMENT BY: Stephen N R, Senior Associate Editor]

MESSI-NEYMAR-MBAPPE: HOW IS THAT FOR A FORWARD LINE? Lionel Messi the GOAT, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe – it doesn’t get any bigger than this in today’s club football. It’s no Fantasy Football but the attacking trio of Paris St Germain for 2021-22 season after the Argentine genius sealed a mega deal with PSG on Tuesday – joining his erstwhile Brazilian teammate from the Barcelona days. A line-up which is going to send shivers down the rival line-ups in La Ligue 1, where PSG had been running roughshod over their opposition for quite some time now. Can they win the battle of Europe with this – which must be the ultimate goal for the owners? Let’s wait and watch.[COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

GOING THE RIGHT WAY: Legendary singer Stevie Nicks has cancelled appearances at five music festivals over coronavirus concerns. “I want everyone to be safe and healthy and the rising Covid cases should be of concern to all of us,” the 73-year-old singer said in the statement. While concerts and events are able to take place in safer places such as the UAE (with precautions and social distancing in place), there are still some concerns in other areas of the world. Artists should take calculated decisions to make sure they and their fans aren’t put in danger. Music lovers might be longing to return to concert grounds, but it’s better to be safe than sorry[COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]