UAE a prime destination for tech startups, Rishi Sunak’s party on the back foot in UK bypolls, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on October 20 top news

UAE A PRIME DESTINATION FOR TECH STARTUPS: The UAE is becoming a prime destination for tech startups, thanks to its attractive business conditions and cost-effective solutions. With a growing number of entrepreneurs looking to establish and sustain their operations in the region, the UAE offers enticing incentives that hit the "sweet spot" for startups by helping them manage costs effectively. In the UAE, startup growth is evident, but the demand for office space, especially in Dubai Internet City, keeps rising, highlighting the region's thriving tech sector. The incentives and equity deals offered by Abu Dhabi's Hub71 further support the burgeoning startup scene. In a time when the global tech industry is facing uncertainties, the UAE remains steadfast, offering promising opportunities for startups to thrive and make their mark. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

UK TORIES IN TROUBLE: In a striking development on Friday, Britain's Labour Party handed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservatives a resounding defeat by clinching victory in two previously unassailable parliamentary constituencies of Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire, both in central England. These wins, endorsed by Labour leader Keir Starmer, signify a red flag ahead of the anticipated national election. This double setback underscores a significant decline in support for the Conservatives, who had triumphed in the last four national contests, suggesting that Labour is now well-poised to regain power for the first time since 2010. While governing parties often lose by-elections, the scale of this defeat in two long-standing Conservative strongholds amplifies the pressure on Sunak, who assumed leadership less than a year ago amid a backdrop of scandals and internal strife within the party's ranks. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

METAVERSE INNOVATION: In a groundbreaking move, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai has ushered in a new era of government services by venturing into the metaverse. The AI-driven system allows individuals to interact with GDRFA officials in a virtual realm, in a transformative leap toward the future. This visionary initiative eliminates the need for physical visits to government departments, making services more accessible, efficient, and convenient. The implications of this innovation extend beyond day-to-day interactions. It can facilitate employee training, live participation in events, and much more. By simply donning Virtual Reality (VR) headsets and connecting through a range of devices, individuals can engage with GDRFA officials, join meetings, and even visit Amer centres to complete transactions seamlessly. It aligns seamlessly with the UAE Government's aim to provide smart, high-tech services that cater to the evolving lifestyle of the future. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)