Self-driving cars in Dubai, Al Ansari shares surge, Why Keanu Reeves rocks, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories on April 6

SELF-DRIVING TAXIS SET TO MAKE DEBUT IN DUBAI: The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has started implementing plans to introduce autonomous vehicle transport services in the city. The RTA and the Cruise, a self-driving technology company, have started mapping Dubai roads ahead of launching the service. By 2030, RTA seeks to deploy 4,000 autonomous vehicles, making Dubai the first non-U. S. city to commercialise Cruise self-driving cars. The rollout of autonomous vehicles will alleviate traffic congestion, lower the number of traffic accidents, and cut harmful emissions. The initiative marks a fundamental step toward the launch of self-driving taxis services in Dubai. The launch of autonomous vehicles will bring a positive impact on Dubai’s transportation landscape and well-being. (By Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

SHARES OF AL ANSARI FINANCIAL SERVICES UP: Shares of Al Ansari Financial Services surged nearly 20 per cent on their debut at the DFM on Thursday, and held on to most of the gains even as the larger market traded mostly flat. This is just another feather in the cap for the UAE and wider Gulf markets, which have managed to attract investments – and have rewarded investors with hefty dividends -- while traditional hubs such as London and New York have been finding a hard time getting firms on the bourse. It’s about time international companies with operations in the UAE also get active and initiate parallel listings in the region. (By Anupam Verma, Assistant Editor – Business)

UAE CRICKET’S MARCH TOWARDS ELITE GROUP CONTINUES: The UAE cricket team, who have a large mix of youth and veterans, are on a stunning run in the last couple of years. They are now just one-step away from booking their spot in the 50-over ICC World Cup to be held in India. There is a huge self-belief in this bunch of players, who must have got their confidence boosted by the first win achieved in a World Cup after defeating Namibia in the Twenty20 World Cup first round in Australia last year. Success breeds success and these results will play a big part in the team moving up the ladder. After retaining their ODI status by entering the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, the UAE have ensured that they are in the big league, but it is a march that should culminate in getting the Test status and join the elite group of nations. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

ALLURING AURA OF 'JOHN WICK' STAR KEANU REEVES: His latest on-screen avatar is that of a non-stop killing machine that has spawned the 'John Wick' franchise, which is now revelling in its fourth instalment at the box office. Older fans would best remember him for the 'Matrix' trilogy, which has redefined action stunts and cinematography in movies around the world. Yet, Keanu Reeves off-screen persona is that of a humble, likeable guy with a down-to-earth personality. On the internet, people endlessly rave about their encounters with the successful Hollywood star. A google search would lead us into endless listicles about his kind deeds. Perhaps there are traits that all of us — not just film stars — can imbibe from Reeves. Especially about not letting success get to our heads. (By Rajagopalan Venkataraman, Assistant Editor-Features)