UAE reduces age bar to start business, and Dubai taxis get cheaper, our editors comment on the top stories of Jan 13

IN UAE, 18 IS A GOOD TIME TO START A BUSINESS: In business, start younger – that’s the message the UAE has delivered with cutting the age at which a citizen or resident can launch an enterprise to 18 years from 21. This is enshrined in the updated UAE Commercial Transaction Law, which paves the way for anyone turning 18 to consider getting into the family business, launch a company of his/her own, or do any of the things that only 21-year olds and above could have done just weeks ago. This way, the UAE is not just giving the canvas to the young to start early, but opening up all sorts of options to pick from. Why let genuine talent wait three more years to turn 21 when they could get going at 18? Indeed. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

MOBILITY AND AFFORDABILITY GO TOGETHER IN DUBAI: It’s now cheaper to take a taxi in Dubai, a city that keeps rolling out initiatives to better serve riders. Taxi fares are down for the second time, reflecting lower fuel costs, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed. Riders will now save 22 fils per kilometer. The RTA deserves praise for passing on fuel cost savings in the form of lower taxi charges. Taxis are indispensable in any sizeable city, owing to their convenience and comfort, and by making this option more attractive to riders, Dubai has once again gone the extra mile in customer happiness. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

A RED-LETTER DAY FOR UAE CRICKET: In modern day sport, professionalism is everything. And to bring that aspect, the environment and exposure to a professional league is extremely critical. It is here that the UAE, as an Associate Nation, has made a huge stride for the push towards professionalism and finally a place as a Full Member, which means a Test-playing nation. The vehicle to take UAE to that destination is the International League Twenty20, the inaugural edition begins on Friday and will be held in three state-of-the-art venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah over the next one month. It is a dream come true for many players now and the franchise Twenty20 league will give the budding players something to dream about and equip themselves to be professional cricketers. A red-letter day in UAE cricket. (By A. K. S. Sathish, Sports Editor)

SHAH RUKH KHAN WILL BOWL UAE CRICKET FANS OVER TONIGHT: I may not be able to tell a googly from a bouncer, but I can definitely tell you that tonight is going to be a special one at the inaugural DP World ILT20. Global icon and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be in the house or stadium, should we say. His team Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will play against Dubai Capitals and Khan will be there in person and spirit to support his team. Remember, cricket and Bollywood is intrinsically wired in every India’s DNA but the true fun emerges when the two mingle effortlessly. I will be there for the opening ceremony to catch all the action and so should you. If not to see a riveting game of cricket, at least to see if Khan’s newly-developed abs are the real deal. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan Entertainment Editor)