UAE’s response to healthcare emergencies and fight against COVID-19 continues, our editors comment on the top stories of September 11

UAE'S RESPONSE TO HEALTHCARE EMERGENCIES VERY REASSURING: The rescue efforts of Abu Dhabi Police’s Airwing Unit are well known. Its recent move in airlifting a pregnant woman to a hospital in Al Dhafra, so she could safely deliver her twins, warrants special mention. The woman, who was in a serious condition needed to be urgently addressed and by swinging into action in record time, the Airwing Unit managed to save not only her life but also that of her newborn twins. Such reassuring interventions during healthcare emergencies is something UAE residents are extremely grateful for. [COMMENT BY: Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor]

SWIATEK TOO GOOD FOR JABEUR IN US OPEN FINAL: Iga Swiatek brushed aside Ons Jabeur in the final of the women’s US Open to cap what has a been a dominant season. The Polish world number one beat the Tunisian 6-2 7-6 (7-5) and secured the last Grand Slam trophy of the year. It was her second title of 2022 after winning the French Open in June and also the 21-year-old’s third major title of her career. But, this was the second defeat for 28-year-old Jabeur in recent months after she also lost in the Wimbledon final in July. Her wait for one of the sport’s four most prestigious titles continues but she is showing all the signs that she will one day lift a trophy and can console herself having risen to a career-high second in the rankings. [COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor]

FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 CONTINUES: While life has returned to near normal in most parts of the world after more than two years of battling the pandemic, statistics show that we still need to be careful. The World Health Organisation has warned that one person with COVID-19 is dying every 44 seconds globally. The health body has said that the global decline in reported cases and deaths is continuing but there is no guarantee that these trends will persist. The figures are a warning for us to continue to take precautions till we are absolutely sure that we have seen the back of the virus. [COMMENY BY: Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor]