Intensive hiring by Riyadh Air, Idalia approaches Florida's coast, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on August 30 trending news

INTENSIVE HIRING BY RIYADH AIR: The competition for hiring aviation professionals is highly active in the markets of the Gulf region. Riyadh Air, a Saudi-based airline, has unveiled ambitious plans to hire 700 pilots in the next three years, along with a significant number of cabin crew, engineers, and IT experts. This recruitment drive signifies a standout effort in the Gulf's aviation landscape. In a parallel scenario, Emirates has already enlisted 20,000 cabin crew members, as part of its ongoing global recruitment campaign to meet growth targets. The airline has hosted multiple recruitment events in 340 cities across six continents and said it will continue hosting recruitment events worldwide until this year’s end. With travel rebound, this period certainly marks an exciting phase for individuals seeking opportunities in the aviation industry. (Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

IDALIA APPROACHES FLORIDA'S COAST: Hurricane Idalia, a formidable Category 4 force, inches closer to Florida's Gulf Coast, stirring mandatory evacuations across 28 of the state's counties. With sustained winds already at 110 mph (177 kph) and the potential to escalate further before landfall, the storm's threat looms large. Florida's 21 million residents, along with those in neighboring states, are under hurricane warnings, bracing for torrential rain, surging seawater, and the ever-menacing storm surge. As this dangerous hurricane eyes a direct hit on the Big Bend region, where Florida's northern panhandle meets the Gulf Peninsula, authorities and individuals alike are locked in a race against time to secure lives and property. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

RESPONSIBLE ONLINE CONDUCT: A recent incident involving the Emirates School Establishment (ESE) and the cascade of false rumours underlines the perils of misinformation in our digital age. The ESE's swift denouncement of the baseless claim regarding a student's untimely death, supposedly due to academic struggles, sheds light on the critical need for responsible information-sharing. Amid the proliferation of social media, verifying news sources has become paramount. The emergence of this groundless narrative exposes the potential harm that can arise when misinformation gains traction, rupturing societal cohesion and spreading undue panic. The UAE's tightened stance on cybercrimes is a proactive step toward combating falsehoods online. The penalties for spreading false information reflect the nation's commitment to preserving digital integrity and curbing the harmful effects of unverified news. Reliance on credible sources is a reminder that each of us plays a role in safeguarding the truth. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

A WIN-WIN SITUATION FOR YOUNG UAE PLAYERS: After the inaugural season, DP World ILT20 is gathering pace and getting ready to take one step ahead in the second season. The inclusion of Pakistan trio – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Azam Khan – has made the Desert Vipers stronger. The rest of the six teams have also made their changes to prepare for the new season, bringing in some new faces. As the league gets competitive, the UAE players will get better with experience, which will stand them in good stead. Many young players have grabbed their chances on international stage, so it will be a boost for their aspirations and will help UAE in the long run. It’s a win-win situation for UAE. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

MALAIKA ARORA AND ARJUN KAPOOR’S BREAK-UP RUMOURS: All those who follow entertainment news in India might have stumbled upon how model and host Malaika Arora’s relationship with actor Arjun Kapoor is on a rocky turf. While the vicarious fun that’s being had is questionable, it’s scarier to read all the nasty comments that are being aimed at the woman in question. Malaika Arora is 49, while her partner Arjun Kapoor is 38 years of age. There’s a 11-year-age gap between the two, and it’s not a big deal in any part of the world, but in India this particular detail has become the object of collective fascination and ridicule. Social media feeds carrying the break-up rumours is being inundating with nasty comments directed at Malaika Arora. Let’s not forget that age-shaming isn’t fair and it’s unfair that celebrities, especially women, have to face this discrimination. It’s time to change how we view age and alter our tendency to blame the women for a rift in a relationship. As they say, it always take two to tango. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)