From the Editors: Raising dangers of drug abuse in the UAE

FIGHTING DRUG ADDICTION IS AN ALL-ROUND EFFORT: Authorities across the UAE are making a concerted effort to raise greater awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. In the latest such move, Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has extended the drive to commercial centres, which shows that no segment of society is being left out. Residents everywhere would do well to pay heed to the message that narcotic substances, for whatever reason, cannot be the solution to a problem. There are many channels available to address concerns, whether it is a family issue, a mental or physical illness or some other pressing problem. Families should also remember that they would do a great service by turning in a drug addict for necessary rehabilitation. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

MORE UKRAINE GRAIN NEEDED TO FIGHT WORLD HUNGER: The shipment of corn which left Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odessa for Lebanon on Monday offers a beacon of hope to reduce the global hunger crisis. It’s the first since the start of the war and the Ukraine-Russia deal to reopen ports for food exports. This is just an initial step. More grain shipments are required to stave off a famine that stares at 50 million people worldwide. (By Shyam A. Krishna, Senior Associate Editor)

ENGLISH FA SHOULD HAND WIEGMAN CONTRACT EXTENSION: Sarina Wiegman, the coach of the England women’s national football team, looks set to have her contract extended by the Football Association. This would be a very wise move by the FA following Wiegman’s brilliant guidance of the team which won the Women’s European Championship by beating old rivals Germany 2-1. It was the first footballing trophy England has won since the men lifted the World Cup in 1966. She would be truly deserving of an extension of her contract as she has proven to be an exceptional female coach. She is the first manager to win back-to-back women’s Euros with two different nations having previously taken the Netherlands to glory. The Dutchwoman took over as England manager last September and her current deal runs until 2025 but the FA want to add several more years to that in the hope she will continue to deliver the goods. (Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

WORDS HOLD WEIGHT: Grammy winning singer Beyonce has had to remove an offensive term for disabled people from a song on her newest album ‘Renaissance.’ The song ‘Heated’ uses the word “spaz,” which is considered derogatory. This comes soon after singer Lizzo also used the word in a song and went on to change the lyrics. Disability activists have often spoken about how certain terms can hurt them so it’s important that people — including celebrities, musicians, writers and more — take care to not use such words. It’s a simple matter of respect. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features)