UAE’s new grant for healthcare research, UAE has long put words into action in response to climate crisis, Gulf News editors comment on top stories of October 2

UAE’S NEW GRANT FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH TIMELY: Abu Dhabi’s launch of a new grant to fund research by healthcare professionals needs to be commended as there is a pressing need globally for healthcare research to catch up with newer and newer medical challenges. Even the focus areas have been carefully chosen to include cardio-metabolic and vascular disorders, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, rare diseases, emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Just as the emphasis on smart hospitals and the prevention and management of chronic diseases which is in keeping with the times. [Comment by Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

CLIMATE CRISIS: UAE HAS LONG PUT WORDS INTO ACTION: It shouldn’t take melting glaciers, floods that cause colossal damage, and an energy crisis to shake the world awake. Easy availability of fossil fuels has for decades kept most of the world away from timely and adequate investment into renewable energy sources. It was more about convenience and the lack of any pressing need to look elsewhere. Only two major energy shifts have taken globally, once from wood to coal, and then from coal to oil. Today, only some countries can say that they have had the foresight to invest in the infrastructure and the technology to develop alternative sources of energy, and in significant quantities. One of them is the UAE. Despite being a major oil producer, the UAE has developed significant solar energy infrastructure. The UAE plans to invest Dh600 billion until 2050 to meet the growing energy demand. Dubai has its own clean energy strategy for 2050. No wonder, the UAE will be country leading by example at COP 27 this year in Egypt and COP 28 next year in the UAE. [Comment by Anupam Varma, Assistant Editor]

TAINTED BOLLYWOOD FILMMAKER IN A SALMAN KHAN SHOW – WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE? Reality shows like ‘Bigg Boss’ hosted by Bollywood A-lister Salman Khan thrives off scandal and drama, but to proudly introduce a #MeToo accused filmmaker Sajid Khan into the mix as one of its controversial contestants is taking it too far. Several women had come forward accusing ‘Housefull’ director of alleged sexual misconduct, but he’s now a part of this popular show. As expected, Sajid did not address his #MeToo episode, but kept saying that he had seen several lows in his life in the recent past. Naturally, he found a sympathetic companion in the show’s host Salman Khan. It’s not surprising that Salman – who has seen his own share of brush-ins with the law – will empathise with Sajid, but it’s still disheartening to see it all play out on television. In the name of salacious entertainment, is it fair to celebrate a filmmaker who’s now tainted? [Comment by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor]

ARSENAL LOOK LIKE GENUINE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE CONTENDERS: With another impressive victory under their belts Arsenal finally look like they are emerging from their long post-Arsene Wenger transition period. The Gunners blew away North London rivals Tottenham 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in a pulsating derby clash. They bossed the match and were in control for large periods and this will have delighted coach Mikel Arteta. Arsenal sit at the top of the table after recording 7 wins from 8 games. They look like being genuine title contenders this season having recruited very well in the summer. Gabriel Jesus arrived from Man City and he has hit the ground running and was on target again against Spurs. Saka, Martinelli and Xhaka all had good games too and although Arsenal are not the finished product the early signs sure do look promising. [Comment by Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]