From the Editors: UAE ready to herald a new chapter in global cooperation with EXPO 2020 Dubai

DUBAI AND UAE READY TO HERALD A NEW CHAPTER IN GLOBAL COOPERATION: “We are ready to welcome the world and herald a new era of international collaboration.” These were the words from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday as he reaffirmed Dubai’s resolve to welcome the world to Expo 2020 Dubai, that begins on October 1. Undoubtedly, Sheikh Mohammed’s words will have widespread ramifications, instilling hope and positivity across the globe -- given what the world has been going through since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. And it is only in the fitness of things that Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first major global event to be staged since the outbreak. With just about a month to go before the curtain goes up on the mega event, that will see delegates from 191 countries descend on Dubai, Expo 202o Dubai will be yet another opportunity for the global community to walk lock-step with Dubai and the UAE and herald a new chapter in cooperation, collaboration and communication. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

AL HOUTHIS NOT SERIOUS ABOUT PEACE IN YEMEN: The wanton disregard for human life shown by the Al Houthi militia in Yemen beggars belief. The group is responsible for the resurgence of fighting with their attacks on airbases and their offensive on Marib, which have left over a hundred people dead in recent days. To add to this, they continue to carry out drone and missile strikes against civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Their actions fly in the face of efforts by the UN and the international community, led by the US, to end the war in Yemen. The militia continues to insist oo preconditions for ceasefire. Clearly, Al Houthis are not serious about peace in Yemen. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

RONALDO BREAKS INTERNATIONAL GOAL SCORING RECORD: When Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal against Ireland last night it was more than just an important equalizer in their World Cup qualifier – it was a record breaking goal. The Portugal striker had been level on 109 goals with Iran legend Ali Daei since grabbing a double against France at Euro 2020. The Man Utd star got his 110th and then grabbed another to seal a dramatic 2-1 win. The 36-year-old attacker is now on 111 but he could have had 112 had his penalty kick not been saved by Gavin Bazunu. Ronaldo also equaled Sergio Ramos' European record for men's caps - with his 180th Portugal appearance. The world record is the 195 Malaysia caps won by Soh Chin Ann between 1969 and 1984. “I'm so happy, not only because I beat the record, but for the special moment that we had,” he said. “Two goals at the end of the game. I have to appreciate what the team did, we believed until the end. I'm so glad.” [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

GONE TO SOON: Indian TV actor Siddharth Shukla died in Mumbai after reportedly suffering a heart attack at the age of 40. It has come as a shock to many in the industry due to the suddenness of his passing and his relatively young age. He was popular for being the winner of reality series ‘Bigg Boss 13’ and his colleagues have been sharing their tributes for the ‘Balika Vadhu’ star; director Madhur Bhandarkar says he was a “hard-working and talented actor”. It’s always a terrible loss when a person dies, especially when it’s at this age and when it seems like they have so much more to offer the world. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features]