From the Editors: UAE’s shorter work week now a global talking point

UAE'S SHORTER WORK WEEK NOW A GLOBAL TALKING POINT: It has been almost five months since the UAE moved its official weekend to Saturday-Sunday and in the process, thereby becoming the first nation in the world to introduce a national working week that is shorter than the global five-day week. For a country that has always been an exemplar in terms of innovation and forward thinking, the new work week formula is indeed in sync with its basic values and principles. Therefore, it is no wonder that the UAE’s new weekend is a topic of much interest and discussion across the globe. A recent session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, being a clear case in point, where Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE Minister of State for Government Development and The Future, told the delegates that the UAE embraced new and future trends in government work, including the new working systems — thanks to the flexibility and high adaptability of the UAE government. She was absolutely right. Countrywide acceptance of the new work week being the latest example of this great nation’s eagerness to welcome change and innovation. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

DIPLOMACY IS THE WAY FORWARD: There’s some good news in the region. Diplomacy is gaining ground on three fronts. First, Turkish foreign minister has visited Israel for the first time in 15 years and both countries spoke about opening a new chapter in relations. Second, Egypt has approved direct flights between Yemen’s Houthi-controlled capital and Cairo, even as UN is trying to ensure a two-month truce between the militia and Saudi-led coalition is extended. To cap it all, came comments from Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister who said there has been some progress in talks with Iran and that the kingdom’s hands remain outstretched to Tehran. “We continue to encourage our neighbours in Iran to lean into what can be a very, very important sea change in our region,” Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said, adding that a “new era of cooperation” in the region could deliver benefits for all. It’s so true. Diplomacy can help resolve protracted conflicts. This is the way forward. [COMMENT BY: Stephen N.R., Senior Associate Editor]

LIVERPOOL AND REAL MADRID LOCK HORNS IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL TONIGHT: Liverpool meet Real Madrid in the Champions League final tonight in Paris and it looks set to be a mouth-watering clash. Jurgen Klopp’s Reds will be aiming to win European club football’s most prestigious trophy for the seventh time while the Spanish giants can double that with 14 if they win. Klopp’s team are going for the treble having already won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and this will be their 63rd match of the season. It is incredible that even after such a long and arduous season Liverpool still have a freshness about their play. They will be relying on star man Mo Salah to provide the cutting edge up front while at the back Virgil Van Dijk will need to keep Karim Benzema quiet. It could prove a tall order as the Frenchman has been in incredible form and has rescued Real on several occasions in the tournament this season. Will he have his shooting boots on tonight or will the Reds stand firm and gain revenge for that painful 2018 defeat when the two sides last met in the final? This has the makings of a classic and it won’t be a surprise if we need a penalty shootout to find a winner. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

THE THRILL OF THE SUMMER MOVIE: Cinemas all over the world have been excitedly awaiting the release of Tom Cruise blockbuster ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ for years and it’s finally here. The epic action sequel is set to be a big draw for cinemagoers and is likely to give the box office a major boost. ‘Top Gun’ represents the best of Hollywood — a big-name star, lots of action and theatrics, nostalgia for the older crowd and a sense of wonder for the younger watchers. The film is bringing back the power of the summer movie. [COMMENT BY: Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]