UAE airlines among the world’s safest, and why workplace safety comes first, our editors comment on the top stories of Jan 4

UAE CARRIERS RANKED AMONG WORLD’S SAFEST AIRLINES: UAE’s leading carriers, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Air Arabia, and flydubai, have once again found themselves among the top 20 safest airlines in the world, in rankings released by airline safety and product rating website AirlineRatings.com. The rankings were established after monitoring 385 different airlines from across the globe, and Editor-in-Chief of AirlineRatings.com Geoffrey Thomas said these carriers are at the forefront of safety, innovation, and launching new aircraft. After a few rough years for airlines, from the slump in air travel caused by the pandemic, these rankings are good news for airlines, where air travel safety holds paramount importance. And it is heartening to see not one but four UAE carriers on this list. (By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter)

WORKPLACE SAFETY COMES FIRST IN THE UAE. Everyone deserves to have a safe environment to work in, be it the office or construction site. New legislation in the UAE rightfully places the responsibility on the employer to officially report to authorities any injury in the line of duty. This step will ensure any workplace accident is documented thoroughly so the fair compensation or legal action can follow. Putting in place a formal reporting procedure protects both employers and workers from overstepping rights. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

TIME TO TAKE NEWCASTLE VERY SERIOUSLY INDEED: Newcastle are now serious challengers for the English Premier League title this season. They were superb yet again as they held table-toppers Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium late last night. At full time, the players joined in with the fans to celebrate the well-earned point that keep them in third place in the table. Coach Eddie Howe has shaped a team that is solid at the back and which creates lots of chances up front. This is a winning combination and it has fast become their calling card. This time last year the team was in the relegation zone but following the takeover by the Saudi Investment Fund the club has been on the up. They have now set a club record of six consecutive clean sheets and have just conceded 11 goals in 18 league games. It is the meanest defence in the division and as hard as they tried Arsenal could not find a way through. The Gunners still have a healthy lead at the top but it could be trimmed if Manchester City who are second beat struggling Chelsea tonight. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

TACKLING CASUAL RACISM WITH SARDONIC HUMOUR: Trust Bollywood actor Satish Shah, known for his jovial personality and cheeky humour, to off-set inappropriate remarks with a good dose of wry humour. On Twitter, he chronicled an incident at the Heathrow airport in London where the airport staff loudly wondered to his mate how someone who looked like Shah could afford to buy first-class tickets. The actor, who is known for his sunny personality, cheekily retorted: “Because we are Indians”, alluding to India’s rising spending power. He met subtle discrimination with a telling sly dig. Sometimes, you don’t have to fight fire with fire, but fire with fierce wit. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)