UAE tech boom is on, US-China engagement, and more stories, Gulf News Editors comment on the top news on June 19

THIS UAE TECH BOOM IS ADDING JOBS – FAST: The AI ‘in & for everything’ boom-time is turning out to be more than just about creating digital smarts, whether it’s how we access government services or connect with businesses. Now, it’s helping on another front – jobs. Market sources say that hiring has picked up for those with the required tech skills married to AI talents. While the job creation is yet to assume wave-like proportions, anyone and everyone in the industry say this is just a matter of time. AI enabled features is turning into a must-have, and will grow whatever outside of whatever happens with the rest of the tech industry. Moreover, that means the bit about job creation will continue to have strong legs. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

PROGRESS IN US-CHINA ENGAGEMENT: The recent engagement between the United States and China marks a promising stride in their bilateral relationship. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently on a visit to China has emphasised the importance of open communication. Both parties have agreed to meet again in Washington soon. Secretary Blinken's visit to China, the first in five years, involved productive discussions with China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, as confirmed by a State Department spokesperson. Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hua Chunying expressed hope that the meeting would help restore China-US relations based on the agreement made by the two Presidents in Bali. These bilateral meetings signify a positive development. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

FILIPINA MUM THANKS DUBAI: Gaeralyn Alcantara, a Filipina saleswoman, had experienced vision impairment since last year, starting with her right eye. Her condition worsened, affecting both eyes. Alcantara, who is a diabetic, had progressive acute retinal damage. With no means to get the expensive treatment done on her own. Dubai, however, does not lack Good Samaritans, who came forward to help Alcantara. She was referred to Noor Dubai Foundation which conducted the operation — for free. She has since been a beneficiary of Noor Foundation’s generosity, not once, but twice. The UAE-based charity addressed the retinal damage in her right eye in November, and again in her left eye this June (2023). The two surgeries would have cost her nearly Dh90,000. With her eyesight restored, the mother of two boys, can live and work normally again. Her story is one of numerous examples of generosity of Dubai and the UAE. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

ALIA BHATT TAKING HOLLYWOOD BY STORM? It's heartening to witness actors pushing boundaries, and Bollywood star Alia Bhatt is certainly doing just that. This weekend, the 'Raazi' star graced the red carpet alongside Hollywood talents Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan at a promotional event hosted by Netflix. Bhatt's transition from Bollywood to Hollywood appears seamless, evident in the captivating trailer of her English-language debut, 'Heart Of Stone.' While actors like Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone have already paved the way, it is still commendable that Bhatt is not content with reigning over Bollywood alone. Her potential rise in Hollywood serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to captivating audiences worldwide, one remarkable film at a time. Initially criticized for being a product of nepotism, given her family's involvement in the movie-making business, Bhatt has managed to emerge from those shadows. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)