How UAE is a bright economic spot amid flickering global outlook, and new incentives for private companies for Emiratisation, our editors comment on the top stories of Dec 20

UAE: A BRIGHT ECONOMIC SPOT AMID FLICKERING GLOBAL OUTLOOK: UAE’s real GDP continued to grow at a strong pace in Q3 after a robust performance in the first half of this year. An increase in oil production, coupled with significantly higher oil prices, as well as considerable improvement in non-oil sectors buoyed the economy. The Central Bank says there are increased chances for growth being stronger in 2022 due to mainly better-than-expected performance in some of the non-oil sectors such as tourism and hospitality, real estate, transportation, and manufacturing. The private sector’s optimism is also helping, supported by the banking sector — credit to the private sector increased by 4.9 per cent year-on-year in September 2022. The PMI was another global barometer that pointed to the country’s sturdy economic environment despite growing global uncertainties. UAE’s October PMI rose to 56.7 compared to 55.4 in June, marking the 23rd straight month of growth for the non-oil private sector. (By Anupam Varma, Assistant Editor)

NEW INCENTIVES FOR PRIVATE COMPANIES: The UAE government has announced special incentives ‘Nafis Award’ for the private companies. The award, which will be given every year, aims at recognising private sector establishments that have excelled in hiring UAE nationals and fostered positive competition within the field of Emiratisation. The award also aims to recognise outstanding Emiratis in the private sector. The ‘Nafis Award’ has been introduced a year after the launch of ‘Nafis’ programme, which was launched as part of the “Projects of the 50”, to be a driving force for the development of the national economy. Launching of the Nafis Award is not only a great way to appreciate private companies but it will also help achieve Emiratisation targets. (Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

ENGLAND’S BAZBALL KEEPS ROLLING AT AMAZING SPEED: About eight months ago, Ben Stokes took over the captaincy of England Test team and subsequently former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum joined him as the coach and started the revamp. They adopted an aggressive approach to Tests, which gave them immediate success. Buoyed by that success, the England team backed them to the hilt and hit success. The Bazball approach has now given the Three Lions nine wins in 10 Tests, including a historic clean sweep of Pakistan, a feat they have achieved for the first time since 2000. It is also the first time Pakistan have lost 3-0 on home soil. At the start of their new approach, not many gave them the chance to sustain it, but this triumph clearly proves that England are ready to steamroller their rivals with the menacing aggressive brand of cricket. The Bazball is gathering mass. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

ANTI-MEGHAN SENTIMENTS AT ITS PEAK: TV personality Jeremy Clarkson is facing backlash for his recent article in The Sun about Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, where he said he hated her “on a cellular level” and wished she would be paraded through the streets. Without offering an actual apology, Clarkson has said he’d be more careful with his words in the future. However, the damage has been done and he has only emboldened people to be even more hateful towards her. No matter people’s opinions of Meghan, she does not deserve the level of wrath she has received. Worse people than her have received less of a bashing in the public eye. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Entertainment)