UAE investors set to get returns from next month and Abu Dhabi’s campaign against single-use plastic, our editors comment on the top stories of September 6

THESE DAYS, SOLID AND DEFENSIVE ARE GOOD FOR UAE INVESTORS: Come October and investors who signed up for Dubai’s IPO pipeline strategy will start getting their returns. DEWA is on track to deliver on its promise of spreading out Dh3.1 billion among its shareholders. By April/May next, others will have joined in, notably Salik, which has just pressed the launch button on its own IPO. ‘Think defensive, think dividends’ will resonate with investors, on DFM and ADX alike, if all the forecasts of a global economy slipping into recession do actually pan out. Investors are getting a chance to de-risk some of their portfolio by signing up for exposure in companies that deliver solid/spectacular results depending on the ground realities. So, investors take note – solid and defensive are not as dull as they may sound. They will soon find that out in October. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

ABU DHABI'S WORKAROUND FOR PLASTIC PROBLEM: Plastic waste is a global problem – and recycled plastic can be a global solution. That’s why a new initiative based in Abu Dhabi, Rebound Plastic Exchange, aims to facilitate the trade of 5 million tonnes of recycled plastic in three years. The UAE capital is leading the environmental charge ahead. Recently, it stopped single-use plastic bags, which mostly go to waste, adding to pollution and threatening wildlife who mistake it as food. The latest initiative shows that plastic, in itself, does not have to be a burden – it can be an asset when managed responsibly. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE CRUCIAL FOR NEW UK PM TRUSS: Liz Truss will replace Boris Johnson as Britain's prime minister on Tuesday, becoming only the third woman to take her place in 10 Downing Street, after Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May. The 47-year-old has her hands full. She is under pressure to set out an immediate plan to protect millions of households and businesses from the soaring cost of energy. She must also fight inflation and tackle protests. But what is most important is that the nation rallies around her as she goes about her task. Outgoing PM Boris Johnson promised his unswerving support as he left Downing Street for the final time. Truss will be expecting this from all the people. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

NADAL UNSURE ABOUT FUTURE PLANS: Following his surprise US Open fourth round defeat against Frances Tiafoe, Rafael Nadal has said he isn’t sure when he will play tennis again. The 36-year-old Spaniard lost in four sets to the American last night and although he is next scheduled to play in London from September 23-25 in the Laver Cup, he may take some time away from the game. “I don't know when I’m going to come back,” said the 22-time Grand Slam champion. The second seed was aiming to win the US Open for a fifth time but the loss to 22nd seed Tiafoe was his first defeat in a Grand Slam this year. Nadal may now spend time at home with his wife who is pregnant with their first child. His main rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have successfully embraced fatherhood and remained competitive in tennis, hopefully Nadal will be able to follow their footsteps. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

CONCERT CANCELLATIONS: Fans of Canadian musician The Weeknd were disappointed when he had cancel a concert after just three songs due to his voice giving out. It’s probably the worst nightmare for a touring musician to have health issues that lead to cancellations, because fans often travel from far and wide for them. An example is Justin Bieber having to postpone shows after being diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome. However, being a touring musician also means pushing their bodies and voices to the limit. The best that can be done is make sure that fans are adequately compensated, while artists make sure they’re taking care of their health. (Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features)