Oscars 2023 a watershed moment in pop culture, GDRFA Dubai’s video call service a huge hit and more, our editors comment on the top stories of Mar 13

OSCARS 2023 BECOMES A WATERSHED MOMENT IN POP CULTURE: Not so long ago, the Academy Awards were blasted for being too white and lacking in diversity. But cut to 2023 Oscars and it’s a different narrative altogether. For the first time in Oscars history, Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian woman to win the Academy Awards for Best Actress and actor Brendan Fraser proved that an actor can make a compelling comeback after a decade of being a non-entity on the acting front. It’s also the year when a South Indian blockbuster ‘RRR’ and its contagiously hummable dance number ‘Naatu Naatu’ marched towards the stage to collect the Best Original song trophy. And Yeoh was bang on the buck when she declared: “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibility. This is proof that dreams dream big and dreams do come true … And ladies, don’t let anyone ever tell you you’re past your prime.” We hear her loud and clear. It’s a watershed moment in pop culture where women and varied voices were celebrated with great pomp. And nobody got slapped. So it’s a win-win. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)

GDRFA DUBAI’S VIDEO CALL SERVICE IS A BOON: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai’s video call service, which has already processed 250,000 transactions in the past two months, is a very convenient option for customers as it allows them to complete a series of tasks from the comfort of their own locations instead of having to make a physical visit to the office. What’s more, the service covers a wide range of heads. Everything from financial services procedures, Golden Visas and humanitarian cases to legal advice, establishment services, naturalisation matters and real estate investor procedures can be addressed through the service which makes it all-encompassing. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

SAUDI ARABIA’S AMBITIONS REACH FOR THE SKIES: Be it in creating ‘giga’-destinations at some of the most untouched spots within its landscape or through investments across industries, Saudi Arabia doesn’t do anything in half measures. This time, it has let those ambitions reach for the skies – literally – through a new airline, Riyadh Air, which wants to emerge as a key contender on global long-haul routes. How well the new Gulf airline slots in is for the medium-term to confirm, but the airline is another testimony of the change in mindset within the Kingdom. What Riyadh Air will do to Saudia is the other question that will need looking into. But one thing is for sure – Riyadh Air will launch at a time when global travel is speeding towards new peaks, and with Saudi Arabia intent on winning its share of this. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

TROSSARD PROVING TO BE A SHREWD PIECE OF BUSINESS BY ARSENAL: Arsenal have restored their five-point lead at the top of the English Premier League table after a brilliant 3-0 win away at Fulham. But coach Mikel Arteta owes the victory to the performance of one man – Leandro Trossard. The January acquisition from Brighton has settled in really well since his £21 million move and he provided all three assists last night to deservedly be named the man of the match. The striker has proved he can make the step up and the North London giants are benefitting from his all-action displays. He showed steel, character and skill and Fulham had no way of stopping him from wreaking havoc. It has been a shrewd piece of business from Arsenal in bringing Trossard to the Emirates and with him in fine form he could help the team to their first title since 2004. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)