UAE businesses enter the brave new world of corporate tax, Trump’s legal woes continue, smokers need help, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories on June 1

UAE BUSINESSES ENTER THE BRAVE NEW WORLD OF CORPORATE TAX: It’s a brave new world that businesses in the UAE – and those engaged in a business activity – are entering as the corporate tax rules come into effect. It bestows greater responsibilities on businesses, whatever be their size. And what they should be keeping in mind is that at 9 per cent the UAE’s corporate tax regime is among the lowest – and most competitive – in the world. Going forward, there will be fewer of the tax-free markets around, that is the reality of the present and the future. Businesses in the UAE have been given the width to grow, and for SMEs, added time to scale up and then take on the onus of paying the tax. UAE businesses – register, go full on compliance. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

Legal woes continue for Trump: Former US President Donald Trump faces fresh legal troubles as federal prosecutors have uncovered a recording from 2021 where he is heard discussing a sensitive military document, that he apparently retained after leaving the White House. The recording suggests that Trump was aware of the document's top classified status and had not declassified it. The US Justice Department is believed to have obtained the recording in recent months, adding to the growing body of evidence gathered by the special counsel overseeing the federal investigations into Trump's handling of classified material. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

SMOKERS NEED HELP: Numerous studies show that nicotine is a highly addictive substance. Smoking often becomes deeply ingrained in a person's daily routine and lifestyle. It’s the primary reason quitting smoking is difficult. Nicotine stimulates dopamine release in the brain, leading to pleasurable feelings, thus reinforcing the smoking habit. Over time, the body becomes dependent on it. Quitting can result in withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, cravings, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings. However, many people have successfully quit smoking. The help of experts from various fields — pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dietetics, physiotherapy, pulomonology and cardiology — can be engaged to improve overall health and endurance, and as part of the overall strategy to help smokers kick the habit. For smokers who have genuine desire to quit, they need support, not condemnation or "cancellation". (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

UAE HAVE A BIGGER GOAL IN WORLD CRICKET: Exciting times await UAE cricket as young players gear up to showcase their talents against top teams this month. First on the agenda is a three-match One-Day International series against the West Indies in Sharjah. This series serves as preparation for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe. In the qualifiers, UAE will face formidable opponents such as Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, and Oman. The finalists of the qualifiers will secure a spot in the highly anticipated World Cup 2023, scheduled to take place in India later this year. While qualifying for the World Cup is the immediate focus for the UAE, it is crucial to recognise the team’s long-term ambition of transitioning from an Associate Nation to a Test-playing nation. Unlike in the past, many of the UAE players are home-grown talents, highlighting their potential for growth. With the right strategy and talent, UAE has the capability to achieve this significant milestone in cricket. (BY A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

JUSTICE SERVED? The recent conviction of ‘That 70s Show’ star Danny Masterson on two counts of rape is a significant milestone for all those survivors who showed the courage to come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. Masterson faces upto 30 years in prison for his crimes. This landmark judgment and verdict, reached after a long and complex legal battle, will bring a sense of relief and justice to all those survivors who have waited years for their voices to be heard. The vision of watching Masterson being led out of the courthouse in handcuffs might have served as a balm to all those women who were violated in the hands of Masterson. Masterson’s fall from grace is a grim reminder that accountability and closure is possible if survivors remain unflappable and stoic under pressure. We hope Masterson’s life is a cautionary tale to all those sexual predators who believe that they will never be caught. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)