UAE visa reforms taking shape and Dubai to host Global Excellence Council, our editors comment on the top stories of September 7

UAE’S VISA REFORMS GRADUALLY SLOT INTO PLACE: The full impact of the UAE’s series of visa/residency reforms is what will sustain investment and business momentum heading into the crucial fourth quarter of 2022. The authorities have tweaked and fine-tuned the reforms for full realization of benefits, helped by all the learnings and feedback they have had from recent months. Real estate developers are biding their time when Golden Visas getting issued for asset holders of Dh2 million and more become the norm, and they are hoping to go all out on launches closer to October and benefit in full. So, expect some keen activity in the final 12 weeks of ’22… (Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

DUBAI STRIVES TO PROMOTE GOVERNMENT EXCELLENCE: Dubai, known for its best practices in public services, strives to further promote government excellence as it is set to host Global Excellence Council. Dubai will be the first city in the Middle East to host this prestigious meeting previously held in cities such as Brussels, Tokyo, Sydney, Washington. The meeting is line with the policy to promote government excellence and ensure high-quality service delivery. (By Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

SAFETY OF UKRAINE NUCLEAR PLANT A PRIORITY FOR BOTH SIDES: The UN atomic watchdog agency has called for a 'nuclear safety and security protection zone' around the Zaporizhzhia power plant in Ukraine. The move comes amid fears that the fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops could result in a catastrophe. Russia has asked for clarifications on the report. Shelling has continued around the plant after it was knocked off Ukraine's electrical grid. Even as fighting continues, all steps must be taken by both sides to ensure the safety of the nuclear power plant. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

HAALAND’S INCREDIBLE START FOR MAN CITY CONTINUES: When Erling Haaland signed for Manchester City, many felt he could be the final piece of the jigsaw for the club to attain European glory – and it certainly looks that way. The striker has made an incredible start to his career at the Etihad Stadium by scoring 12 goals in just 8 games for his new team. Last night his double helped City to cruise past Sevilla 4-0 in their Champions League Group G opening game. Phil Foden and Ruben Dias added the other two on a comfortable night for coach Pep Guardiola. City were dominant throughout. Clearly Haaland has made a huge difference to the side. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

DRAMA IN VENICE: The internet has gone into overdrive speculating on whether Harry Styles spat on his ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ co-star Chris Pine during the movie’s premiere at Venice Film Festival, based on a viral video. Pine’s representative has said that’s not the case at all. This isn’t even the first bit of drama surrounding the upcoming movie and its cast. Overall, it seems like a PR nightmare for all the actors and the movie and it comes at a time when Hollywood is still struggling at the box office. It remains to be seen if ‘there’s no such thing as bad publicity’ holds true for them. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Features)