From the Editors: Sharjah Heritage Days is an annual refresher on the value of culture

SHARJAH HERITAGE DAYS IS AN ANNUAL REFRESHER ON THE VALUE OF CULTURE As the UAE continues its fast-paced journey towards a high-tech knowledge-based economy, it has not forgotten its past. Major events such as 'Sharjah Heritage Days', whose 19th edition runs from March 10 to 28, bring to the fore Emirati traditions and values – apart from handicrafts – which define the local culture. From the games that children used to play to the professions that once thrived, the festival will showcase Emirati heritage, providing an opportunity for expats and visitors to learn about the way of life that was commonplace in the UAE just a generation ago. In preserving and celebrating these values, the UAE sends a message of staying true to one’s identity while welcoming diversity. The event will also display the heritage of 33 participating countries. [COMMENT BY: Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor]

LET WISDOM PREVAIL: Russian forces gathered north, south and east of Ukraine as six warships reached the Black Sea and more military equipment arrived in Belarus. The US and its allies have urged their citizens to leave Ukraine right away. All indications point to an imminent war and according to some American officials the invasion could happen as soon as Wednesday. US President Joe Biden and six European leaders, the heads of Nato and the EU held talks on the worst crisis between the West and Russia since the end of the Cold War. The growing alarm comes despite efforts at shuttle diplomacy. Biden and Putin are to speak today, again. The window for diplomacy appears to be closing but it must prevail. Lest wisdom prevail. Give peace a chance. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R. Senior Associate Editor]

VALIEVA ‘ENTOURAGE’ INVESTIGATION WOULD BE WELCOME, SAYS IOC: Following Kamila Valieva’s positive drugs test, the International Olympic Committee has said that it would welcome an anti-doping investigation into the 15-year-old’s “entourage”. The case of a child testing positive for angina drug trimetazidine has prompted questions from many over the role played by the adults around her. “Entourage has been overlooked in the past,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams told a news conference today. “The IOC, as ever, would welcome investigation into the entourage in all cases where it's relevant. Entourage ranges from doctors and coaches, parents everyone.” The Russian figure skater - whose highly difficult performances and grace enchanted the whole world at such a young age - is now waiting to see if she will be able to compete again at these Games in spite of her failed drugs test casting a dark cloud over Beijing 2022. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

USE CELEBRITIES AS INSPIRATION, NOT INSTRUCTION: Bollywood actress Sameera Reddy has been documenting her weight-loss journey on social media in a very candid way, discussing the emotional side of it and admitting that it’s hard to get fit. It shows the reality of what it means to lose weight in a healthy way. Some celebrities might make the process look easy or glamorous. They might also use their platform to promote supplements or certain fitness programmes. It’s best to use a bit of caution in these cases; be inspired but don’t believe the hype. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor]