From the Editors: UAE COVID-19 vaccination progresses at rapid pace

UAE COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRESSES AT RAPID PACE: The UAE’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign is progressing at a frenetic pace, as the country has achieved a inoculation rate of 85.85 doses per 100 people. In figures released on Friday, the Ministry of Health and Prevention has announced that 8,491,382 vaccine doses have been provided to the country’s citizens and residents so far. This shows we are rapidly reaching the level of expected her immunity. However, as the country closes in on its target, it is important to continue maintaining all safety precautions to ensure we beat the pandemic. [COMMENT by Somshankar Bandyopadhyay, Assistant Editor]

TOUGH DAYS AHEAD IN TALKS ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAMME: America will start indirect negotiations with Iran, along with other Big Powers, to return to the 2015 deal on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Three years ago, President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the agreement. An early breakthrough is very unlikely, as distrust between the parties is high, and the talks will be very difficult. Since the US withdrawal, Tehran has continued to violate the restrictions placed on it, especially when it comes to things like the amount of enriched uranium it can stockpile and the purity to which it can enrich it. For Iran to emerge from its isolation, the government in Tehran must not only give up its nuclear programme but also abandon the ballistic missiles programme and, importantly, stop its provocative interference in the affairs of its Arab neighbours. [COMMENT by Omar Shariff, International Editor]

OPPOSITION AGAINST UK VACCINE PASSPORTS GROWING: Many people in the UK are of the opinion that vaccine passports are a bad idea and now, more than 70 British lawmakers have signalled their opposition to the introduction of these documents. The government has been toying with the idea of bringing in these passports in a bid to help open the economy with COVID-19 lockdown restrictions being slowly lifted. But the truth is, these vaccine passport only prove that you have been inoculated - they cannot prove anyone’s current health condition, if you contracted the deadly virus or not or indeed if you might still be spreading it after being vaccinated. But, they would encourage those who are reluctant to get the jab in order to be allowed to eat out and travel etc. Is this incentivizing or coercion? It’s hard to tell – but the best thing we can all do is to keep our masks on and keep social distancing until the whole world is clear of this dreaded disease. [COMMENT by Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

Carl Frampton (28-2, 16 KOs) is warming up to take his place alongside the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather as one of the greatest multi-weight boxing champions. Dubai will see its biggest title fight when Frampton takes on Jamal Herring for the WBO super-flyweight belt at Caesars Bluewater on Saturday night. Frampton said he will quit the game altogether if he loses to Herring. But he insists he is not going anywhere soon. “I will never give up. but if I lose I will retire,” he told Gulf News. “There has been a lot of chat about me quitting but I am 34 years old and I am not thinking of losing. It is not an issue, we just win.” He has his chance on Saturday night in the UAE as he takes on Jamel Herring (22-2, 10 KOs) for his world title bid at a third weight. Dubai will see its biggest title fight when Frampton takes on Herring for the WBO super-flyweight belt. [COMMENT by Matt Smith, Sports Editor]

WHY THE WORLD NEEDS A DOSE OF 'FRIENDS': After a one year delay and a pandemic that has given us very few reasons to smile, the ‘Friends’ reunion news is finally a bit of cheer the world needs. According to David Schwimmer, who played Ross Gellar on the NBC sitcom, the gang is finally getting back together in a week to film the unscripted special. Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry and the rest of the stars will be reuniting on the same soundstage in Los Angeles where the shot the comedy for 10 years from 1994 to 2004. Schwimmer further revealed that the six of them will read something scripted for the HBO Max special. Irrespective of how this plays out, fans will be happy to welcome their ‘Friends’ back into their homes. [COMMENT by Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]