UAE companies deliver strong results, world celebrates International Nurses Day, and talks must continue in Sudan, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories on May 12

UAE LISTED COMPANIES PROVIDE THE RIGHT MILLIONS AND BILLIONS IN Q1-23: The final set of Q1-2023 results are coming through, with UAE’s public listed companies showing their shareholders that their millions and billions in revenues and profit tallies are in place. Real estate companies and their financials provide a fitting finale to this quarterly performances. Even those companies that had some shaky results to show in the recent past seem to suggest they are finally turning themselves around. The odd exceptions are still there, but the mood is still built on optimism – and an equal measure of being resilient to any headwinds that might sweep in from happenings elsewhere. Keep the mood flowing through the rest of the current quarter – and then set themselves up for a strong second-half. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

A BIG SALUTE TO ALL NURSES IN THE UAE: On International Nurses Day today, the UAE health authorities have made it a point to acknowledge the services of nurses in the country. Coming from different backgrounds and nationalities, these nurses put the lives of patients first, working tirelessly to care for them. Tending to the sick can no doubt a challenging task, given the requirements of the job and the long hours that go with it. But nurses go about it with a great deal of compassion and professionalism. In fact, many consider it a blessing to care for the ailing. And that needs to be saluted. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

TALKS MUST CONTINUE IN SUDAN: Sudan's army and rival paramilitary forces, the Rapid Support Forces, have agreed to prioritise the protection of civilians and the movement of humanitarian aid but did not reach a ceasefire agreement after a week of talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Negotiators will continue talks to achieve a short-term ceasefire, and that is a good sign. Sudan stands at a difficult juncture. WHO has said more than 600 people have been killed, and more than 5,000 injured in the fighting. The conflict has uprooted 700,000 people inside Sudan and sent 150,000 as refugees into neighboring states. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

TRENT BOULT’S PREDICAMENT CONTINUES: It is difficult times for international cricket players. On the one hand the lure of money that will secure the future of their families when they play the Twenty20 franchise leagues across the world and on the other donning the country’s colours and winning international trophies, the primary reason for most to reach the pinnacle of the sport. The conflict becomes greater when they come closer to the sunset of their careers. They know that their bodies can’t take the toll for long, so in the process they opt for the cash. It is the conflict that Trent Boult, who has walked away from New Zealand central contract, feels. He felt bizarre when he couldn’t play a Test just a couple of miles from his home and still yearns to be part of the Black Caps’ 50-over World Cup team and hopes to make it third time lucky after two losses in the finals. But without the central contract, the wily left-arm pacer’s chances are slim to return to New Zealand fold. Boult’s predicament of ‘to be or not to be’ continues. Only time will tell if he will be able to start one more new spell. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

IT’S TIME FOR ANOTHER BOLLYWOOD WEDDING: They haven’t announced it publicly, but Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra is definitely dating Indian politician Raghav Chadha. What’s more, the two, according to Indian media reports, will get engaged tomorrow. The actress — who’s delivered critically acclaimed performances in the Hindi movies ‘Ishaqzaade’, ‘Hasee to Phasee’ and ‘Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar’ — has reportedly lit up her Mumbai residence. News reports cite sources close to the families that the engagement will take place in Delhi, where Chadha, a member of parliament from Punjab, is based out of. If so, we can soon expect a splashy wedding, similar to the one involving Bollywood actors Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani in February this year. (By Rajagopalan Venkataraman, Assistant Editor-Features)