Saying ‘no’ to food waste in UAE, Businesses must ride stock wave, Man City’s Premier League chances brighten, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories on April 17

NOW IS THE TIME TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE: As people attend iftar get-togethers at home and restaurants, a lot of food ends up in bins afterwards. Ramadan is a time for being thankful for blessings, such as food. The National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, ne’ma (which means blessing), is encouraging the community to be mindful of food waste during Ramadan – and after Ramadan. We should all follow the Initiative’s tips to preserve this blessing. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

UAE’S PRIVATE BUSINESSES NEED TO RIDE STOCK MARKET WAVE: A casual glance at UAE’s stock market performance in the last 2 years will suggest all the dynamics are in place for companies to access funds – and for individuals and institutions to share in wealth creation. But that dynamic obscured one key point – UAE’s privately owned businesses were missing out on all of the listing action. This year, there’s been some welcome change – but the market and its investors would like to see a whole lot more of such offerings. UAE’s government owned or affiliated entities will remain the IPO favorites, because of who they are and the kind of performance they clock in again and again. Surely, some of the UAE’s biggest private firms and startups scaling up nicely could do the same. And complete that missing element in the UAE’s stock market growth narrative…(By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

ARSENAL DROP MORE POINTS TO OPEN DOOR FOR MAN CITY: Arsenal dropped two crucial points yet again in the Premier League title race as they let slip a 2-0 lead at West Ham to draw 2-2. The did the same against Liverpool two weeks ago – they were flying at 2-0 up but ended up drawing the match. This has given defending champions Manchester City hope. But we have to remember the Gunners are still top of the table and have everything in their own hands. They are four points clear of City and the two teams have to play each other on the 26th of this month. If Arsenal avoid a defeat at the Etihad Stadium then they should go on to win the title. City do have a game in hand and with Erling Haaland in top form anything can still happen. It looks like this race will be going right down to the wire and there are bound to be many twists and turns along the way. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL GRIPPED BY SOUTH ASIAN FEVER: For the first time at the prestigious Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival history, sounds of Punjabi dhol and bhangra-busting dancers took over its stage. Indian singer Diljit Dosanjh and Pakistani singer Ali Sethi are among the South Asian acts to debut at this year’s festival in California alongside the hugely popular bands Black Pink from South Korea. Videos of the turban-wearing pop idol Diljit Dosanjh winning over the global music fraternity with his high-octane show are now doing the rounds. Plus, it’s incredibly heartening to witness the epic DJ Diplo grooving to Bhangra. Here’s proof that music has no boundaries and that art transcends borders. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)