How Ramadan reinvigorates the UAE community, why we need ‘open skies’ from India, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories on March 22

RAMADAN SHEEN ON UAE’S SPIRIT OF GIVING. This holy month, the community in the UAE aims for greater heights in humanitarian and charitable endeavours. Be it relief supplies to people impacted by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, or support for school fees here, a myriad of efforts are planned to ensure those in need have a helping hand. The ‘One Billion Meals’ announced ahead of Ramadan will continue to feed the hungry for decades to come, while mothers who have made exemplary sacrifices will be duly honoured over the course of the special month. Ramadan reinvigorates the UAE community’s care for others worldwide. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

MORE ‘OPEN SKIES’ FROM INDIA, PLEASE: A sector that sees peak or near peak travel demand throughout the year, and in both directions. That’s the status for air travel between the UAE and India at all times, with the sole hiatus brought on by Covid. Anyone in the industry can see that the sector can easily take on more flights, more seats – and more of everything. All at ticket rates that run consistently high. Which is why no one in the industry cannot fathom why India keeps disallowing more traffic rights in the UAE sector. India’s airlines can no longer grow to their potential if they remain in a protectionist embrace. The mollycoddling has to stop. Competing against some of the world’s best airlines can only help improve India’s airlines…(By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

NEW MAN UTD OWNER WILL NEED TO INVEST HEAVILY IN CLUB: English Premier League giants Manchester United have set a Wednesday 9pm GMT deadline for prospective owners to submit revised bids for the club as the takeover saga continues. The Red Devils are currently owned by the Glazers but the Americans are willing to sell their shares to the highest bidder. It is believed Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire and owner of Ineos, is very interested as is Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim. United officials have met several different potential investors over the past two weeks and a deal could be struck soon. The fans will not care who buys it as long as millions are pumped into the team to get it challenging for the top honours. A new stadium is also required as Old Trafford is falling behind other modern grounds. Clearly, whoever takes over will need to be willing to invest big to get the club back on top of the football pyramid. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

RAMADAN TV SHOWS HAVE A UNIQUE FLAVOR AND VIBE: Ramadan is a time for introspection and content creators for television, movies, and over-the-top platforms stick to that brief every year. Shows ranging from thrillers to historical dramas have a strong social and spiritual subtext are launched every year. Ramadan entertainment talent constants like Egyptian pop idol Mohamed Ramadan is back. He returns with the series ‘Gaafar Al Omda’ where he plays a troubled father after his newborn gets kidnapped. Usually such series are high on entertainment, but carry a profound comment on the fleeting nature of life and tangibles. So why not acquaint yourself with shows that go off the beaten path. If you do not know where to start, go online to read our list of top recommendations for this year. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)