Trump dominates Iowa: What this means for the 2024 presidential race, and other trending stories, Gulf News Editors comment on Jan 16 top news

Donald Trump secured a decisive victory in the Iowa caucuses, marking his first win in the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race and solidifying his lead with over 51% of the votes. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis claimed second place, narrowly surpassing Nikki Haley. Trump's conciliatory tone towards his rivals marked a departure from previous campaign rhetoric. The record-breaking vote share highlighted Trump's continued influence over the Republican Party, despite facing federal charges. DeSantis and Haley position themselves as primary challengers. While Governor DeSantis gained momentum post Iowa, Vivek Ramaswamy has suspended his 2024 campaign. President Biden called for donations, framing the election as a battle against "extreme MAGA Republicans." (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

A DECADE OF DEDICATION: In reflecting on Thomas Edelmann's 10-year dedication to RoadSafetyUAE, his journey from Vienna to Dubai stands as a testament to expatriate success. Edelmann's passion for road safety, sparked in a Vienna driving school, has flourished in Dubai. From a near-miss at the airport to advocating for daily safety, he emphasises road safety's universal importance. Notable improvements on UAE roads and holistic seat belt laws highlight the great strides in the campaign to make roads safer. Edelmann's wish list outlines key steps for greater road safety, showcasing his commitment. Dubai's transformative evolution and Edelmann's transition from corporate life underscore the city's allure. His story inspires expatriates, portraying Dubai as a place of purpose, opportunity, and lasting connections. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

ED SHEERAN AND HAMILTON TO MARCH TO THEIR OWN TUNES IN THE UAE: This weekend will be a spectacular one for all those who love music and musicals. On Friday and Saturday, ‘Shape Of You’ singer Ed Sheeran will hit the stage at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai for two nights in a row, while the iconic Broadway musical ‘Hamilton’ will make its grand premiere at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena, adding a touch of theatrical brilliance to the vibrant cultural scene. As the UAE continues to host these world-class events, it solidifies its position as a burgeoning cultural capital, attracting renowned artists and productions from around the globe. This weekend is a clear sign that the UAE is not just about skyscrapers and luxury – we're becoming a go-to destination for top-notch entertainment too. Plus, we will be your eyes and ears as Gulf News will be on a mission to bring you all the action from both these cultural juggernauts. Drumrolls, please. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)