From the Editors: UAE’s vaccination drive in full swing

UAE’S VACCINATION DRIVE IN FULL SWING: The UAE crossed another milestone on Saturday after more than six million COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered. The country now ranks second in the world after Israel in terms of cumulative COVID-19 vaccine doses administered per 100 per people worldwide. The UAE’s COVID-19 vaccination drive, which was launched last year, is now in full swing as the country aims to inoculate 50 per cent of the population during the first quarter of this year. Though it is not mandatory, it is everyone’s responsibility to receive the vaccine to reach the acquired immunity level which will help control the pandemic. [COMMENT BY: Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor]

LIBYA TAKES TENTATIVE STEPS TOWARDS STABLE FUTURE: On March 8, Libya’s parliament will discuss holding a vote of confidence on a new unified government. Spectacularly rich in oil and blessed with a pristine Mediterranean shoreline, Libya has been riven by turmoil since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. It has two governments, the Government of National Accord based in Tripoli, and a parallel administration based in the east. Both have been at loggerheads. But, increasingly, moves are afoot to set up a unified government for all Libyans. Given the violence and mistrust of the past decade, this will take time. However, it is a hopeful first step towards the end-goal. [COMMENT BY Omar Shariff, International Editor]

CAPTAIN SIR TOM MOORE-GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: Having succumbed to COVID-19 after raising £33m for the NHS by walking laps of his garden, Captain Sir Tom Moore was laid to rest yesterday. The World War II veteran, who radiated hope when our spirits were low, received his own guard of honour and an RAF flypast at his funeral. Six soldiers carried his coffin into the crematorium for a family service - which he had planned himself. It was a spectacular send-off for the 100-year-old who symbolised all of the UK’s tireless public servants who have kept the country going during this testing period. He truly was an inspiration. It makes you wonder just how wonderful this world could be if each of us could give just a little bit of what he did during his incredible life. He will be sorely missed. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

RECORD-BREAKING MANCHESTER CITY SHOW TRUE GRIT: For all their glitz, glamour and goals galore during their record-breaking 20-game winning run, on Saturday Manchester City showed they can also scrap and know how to win ugly. Pep Guardiola’s side were pushed to the limit at home to West Ham United as David Moyes’ tenacious apple-cart-upsetters looked like doing what no team has managed this year — take points off the Premier League leaders. But City dug deep and clawed their way to a 2-1 win thanks to John Stones’ vital strike in the second half. City are now 13 points clear in the EPL standings and still contending in the League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League — and given their determination and will to win, another historic season could be on the cards. [COMMENT BY: Matthew Smith, Sports Editor]