UAE leaders reiterate pledge of union and what's next for the oil market, our editors comment on the top stories of December 3

EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THE UAE NATIONAL DAY SHOW. Yesterday, the UAE’s ethos of cherishing its heritage while powering ahead in a tech-driven multicultural world was enacted in the stunning 51st UAE National Day official ceremony at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre – which was streamed live on national TV and YouTube and will continue to be held for the public from December 3 to 11. Unfolding chronologically, the stage served as a “time-travel tunnel”, taking onlookers on a journey from the UAE’s past to the future – from 1971 to 2071. The fact that thousands of people from 100 nationalities were cast in the show speaks volumes about UAE’s stand for diversity. The event also served as a reminder for the whole community to uphold values of tolerance and unite it taking the Emirates to greater heights in all spheres. [By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor]

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE OIL MARKET AS OPEC READIES TO MEET RUSSIA: Hours before the European Union begins an embargo of Russian oil, oil officials from OPEC and Russia are all set to meet on Sunday to consider production levels. Analysts have said OPEC Plus, a group of 23 oil-producing nations led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, might adopt a wait-and-see attitude as various forces play out in the oil market. The immediate challenges include the EU's embargo on Russian crude and a US-led plan to cap the price of Russian oil exported to other destinations at $60 per barrel. However, these factors only form a part of the problem. Global economic growth is slowing down due to higher central bank rates, supply disruptions and inflation. Moreover, demand for oil from China, the world's largest importer of fuel, has dampened due to COVID-19 lockdowns that have taken a toll on China's economy and manufacturing capabilities. While the outcome of the price cap and embargo is harsh to forecast, its impact could eclipse any move OPEC decides to make over the weekend. [By Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter]

MESSI TO PLAY IN 1,000TH MATCH OF HIS CAREER TONIGHT: Lionel Messi is set to make his 1,000th appearance of his career when Argentina face Australia tonight in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup. It will be his 169th international cap on top of 778 games for Barcelona and 53 for current side Paris St-Germain. The 35-year-old has long since said this will be his last World Cup therefore Argentina will want to go all the way and reach the final with their talisman. The Aussies will need to be alert to everything tonight if they want to progress and they will be keeping a close eye on Messi who has scored twice at this tournament and seen a penalty saved. If he shines then Argentina should have no trouble making the quarter-finals. Surely he will be making the headlines on his 1,000th match? [By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

THE SCOURGE OF GUN VIOLENCE: Police have arrested a man on a murder charge in the shooting of US rapper Takeoff. The musician was just an innocent bystander when gunfire erupted outside a bowling alley in Houston, police have said. He’s one of many musicians who have been killed by gun violence in the US in the last few years, and the incident is one more example of how easy it is for people to get access to weapons and cause such tragic and unnecessary deaths. If the issue of gun violence is not taken more seriously, we can expect more of such instances to take place. [By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor - Features]