From the Editors: UAE is creating jobs in the digital economy

UAE is creating jobs in the digital economy: The benefits from the Metaverse for job opportunities could still be some distance away – but even otherwise, UAE’s digital/smart economy is generating enough jobs in the present by the looks of it. Leading the wave, of course, would be the digital banks, where some of the best talent – in financial services and tech – are migrating. E-commerce is the other sector that keeps on giving, on the job front. Salaries too are soaring, and for organisations this would be the biggest challenge yet – how to get the best talent working for them while keeping a tab on HR expenses. An interesting dilemma… (Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

UAE, a force to reckon with in space: The update that the UAE’s mission to reach the moon this year is on track is great news. An announcement to this effect by Japan’s ispace that its lander, Hakuto-R, which will carry the UAE-made Rashid Rover to the lunar surface, is ready to be deployed later this year gives UAE residents yet another milestone to look forward to this year. Just last week, the UAE announced a Dh3 billion Space Fund, whose first project will be a constellation of advanced remote sensing satellites using radar technologies to provide unparalleled imaging capabilities. And of course, there is a lot more to come from Hope Probe in the coming months as it enters its third year. Clearly, the UAE is now a force to reckon with in the international space sector. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor)

US Open: Another Melbourne-like drama on cards for Djokovic? While world No.1 Novak Djokovic is mentioned in the entry list of US Open out on Wednesday, the last major of the year from August 29-September 11, a big question – much like the Australian Open – lingers over his participation in New York. Unlike Melbourne, the US Open does not have a vaccination mandate for its players but the federal rules in the US say travellers seeking to enter the country have to be fully vaccinated and provide proof before boarding flights. The Serbian is poised at 21 grand slam titles – one short of Rafael Nadal’s best tally of 22 – but has made it clear that there will be no change in his stance of refusal to take the Covid-19 vaccine. A public campaign, meanwhile, is brewing to make an exception for the champion – so let’s wait and watch! (By Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor)

Baby fever has gripped Bollywood: It appears any female star who wears loose clothing is called pregnant these days. We aren’t saying this, but it appears the paparazzi in India has been gripped by baby fever ever since Alia Bhatt announced that she and Ranbir Kapoor were expecting, months after Sonam Kapoor also announced she and Anand Ahuja were awaiting the birth of their first child. Open season was soon declared with Kareena Kapoor Khan emerging as the first victim. Internet sleuths were convinced that the actress was enjoying her first trimester tucked away in London. Soon every image posted on Instagram was scrutinised for a tell-tale bump, with the obsession reaching such frenzy that the actress was forced to issue a statement, blaming it on the pasta she gorged on while on holiday. With Kapoor Khan out of the picture, eagle-eyed aunties soon turned their attention towards Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who appeared to be hiding her bump behind a large coat. And if that wasn’t enough, Katrina Kaif, who returned from Maldives this week after celebrating her birthday with Vicky Kaushal, had to hurry back because the stork was paying them a visit. That is the only reason why she wore loose-fitted clothes all through her birthday pictures and the flight back home. Forget the fact how ridiculous all this sounds and comprehend that some of the speculations and comments downright body shame a woman for not looking picture perfect. If a celebrity couple has baby news to share, then they will on their schedule. Until then, simply let them be. (By Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor)