UAE makes space history; Uphill task for UN nature conference, our editors comment on the top stories of December 11

UAE makes space history – again: With the historic launch of its Rashid Rover to the Moon, the UAE has become the first Arab nation to send an unmanned explorer on a mission to the lunar surface. Scores of people in the UAE and around the world were glued to live coverage of the launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, USA. It brought back fond memories of the launch of UAE's Hope probe to Mars in 2020. The latest Moon rover is named after the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the builder of modern Dubai. From the dunes on Earth to the craters on the Moon, the rover is testament to the country’s goal to excel in all spheres for the benefit of mankind. Congratulations UAE! [COMMENT BY: Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor]

Uphill task for UN nature conference: Conservation groups have warned that without clear mechanisms for implementing targets, the next global pact for nature will not make much headway. The UN's COP15 meeting from December 7 - 19 has brought together nearly 5,000 delegates from 193 countries to try to finalise "a pact of peace with nature". For this, implementing mechanisms must be put in place to ensure that the proposals and ideas discussed bear fruit. Unless this is done, there are fears that the pact will fail. There must be a certain amount of give and take in major conferences like these, and only a determined and focused meeting will help ensure the health of nature on earth. [COMMENT BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]

New UAE corporate tax law to bring transparency, sustainable investments: The UAE issued a federal corporate tax law late last week that will levy a headline nine per cent rate on taxable income exceeding Dh375,000. While no corporate tax will be charged on salaries or personal income from employment – be it in government, semi-government or the private sector, the law, should bring in more transparency and sustainable investment into the country, experts are saying. What’s more? The tax would also force businesses to be more judicious in their investment plans. Post-pandemic, the UAE has reinforced its position as a global centre for trade and investment. The new taxation scheme will minimize the compliance burden on companies operating in the UAE. Moreover, the new legislations are very supportive of SMEs and start-ups as long as they do not cross the Dh375,000 threshold. [COMMENT BY: Dhanusha Gokulan, Chief Reporter]

Kane equals Rooney’s England record but suffers night of pain: The moment Harry Kane blasted a wild penalty high over the cross bar will live with him forever. Had he scored it would have drawn England level at 2-2 against France in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final. He had scored a spot kick earlier in the match to cancel out Aurelien Tchouameni’s 25-yard drive. Then Olivier Giroud put the champions 2-1 up with a header before the Three Lions were given a chance to take the match to extra time but Kane wasted the opportunity. It was a terrible penalty. The striker had equalled England’s scoring record with his 53rd goal to go joint top with Wayne Rooney and could have beaten it but his and England’s night ended in anguish. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]