UAE Innovates 2023, retail comes of age, Guardiola’s experiment with Man City, our editors comment on the top stories of Feb 6

INNOVATION IN UAE GETS A FURTHER BOOST: The eighth edition of UAE Innovates 2023 is here, giving the country yet another platform to focus on innovation. Over the next three days, as the Innovation Talks series, being organised by The Executive Council of Dubai, brings together representatives of Dubai government departments and private sector companies, a common vision for the future will no doubt come about. It just goes to show how the UAE keeps raising the bar to nurture a culture of innovative thinking, even as it seeks to make a difference in every sphere of working life. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

UAE CONSUMERS KNOW THEIR PREFERENCES – AND RETAILERS ARE OUT TO GIVE THEM JUST THAT: In the UAE, consumers need the best from both worlds – whilst shopping online or at the nearest mall or boutique. For them, it’s never going to be a trade-off, one over the other. And they wouldn’t mind retailers providing them with the choice to decide. And these days, UAE retailers are doing that with more competitive prices and all the CX (consumer experience) any shopper will want. No longer are retailers and mall developers baulking at what online shopping could do to them and their investments. The best retailers are refining their operations – and giving customers what they want. It’s never any more about physical vs. virtual. In the UAE, retail comes in many shades – and consumers are better off for it. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

GUARDIOLA COSTS CITY POINTS BY TINKERING WITH TEAM: Manchester City had the opportunity to cut Arsenal’s five point lead at the top of the table down to two when they went to Tottenham after the league leaders were beaten 1-0 by Everton. But Pep Guardiola, who has a wretched record away at Spurs having lost four of the last five, shocked us all by dropping talisman Kevin De Bruyne. And surprise, surprise City were beaten yet again at their bogey ground. Guardiola must stop tinkering with his side because when he does he has often cost the team points and even silverware. Who can forget the Champions League final against Chelsea? With the Belgium international on the bench, City looked off the pace and lacked a cutting edge but when he was brought on in the second half they became much more of a threat. The question is why did Guardiola drop him? This was a missed opportunity for City and the coach has to take the lion’s share of the blame. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

IT’S A BIG WEEKEND FOR BEYONCE, KIARA ADVANI AND SIDHARTH MALHOTRA: While pop idol Beyonce made music history with her 32nd Grammy win in Los Angeles earlier today, Bollywood’s widely-adored couple Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra will take the marital plunge at a palace-turned-hotel in Rajasthan. All eyes are deservedly on both these momentous occasions where Queen Bey ruled the night and Bollywood stars take charge of their personal lives. It’s heartening to see accomplished talents like these take charge of their career and emerge true winners in life and in their line of work. Here’s hoping the celebrations continue for long. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)