UAE’s TikTok connection, why co-existence matters in the country, Haaland in peak condition, and more, our editors comment on the top stories of Mar 15

UAE’S TIKTOK ‘CONNECTION’: There’s never a dull moment with TikTok around – and not just through all those videos being added to the digital platform every day. There’s just as riveting action behind the screens as well, with Abu Dhabi’s G42 making a $100 million investment play into ByteDance, the company that owns the hugely influential social media platform. G42 has plenty going for it currently, not least an IPO for one of its entities, presight.ai. With the ByteDance investment, G42 is taking its big-on-tech ambitions well beyond all physical boundaries. UAE mega-corporations are making full use of the windfall that’s accrued from oil and all the other positives that have come their way in these 2-3 years. And as the universe of TikTok users keep growing and adding more short-form videos, G42 is the one moving to the beat. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

UAE TAKES ANOTHER STEP TOWARDS COEXISTENCE: The UAE has taken another timely step towards promoting peace and coexistence by launching the Manara Centre. Based in Abu Dhabi and named after the Arabic word that means ‘source of light’, the centre will support core UAE values and initiatives, such as the Year of Tolerance and the Abrahamic Family House. The Manara Centre has been established with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as a flagship partner to help implement key educational programming. Immediate priorities will include forging relationships with universities across the Middle East and South East Asia to promote peace and prosperity through coexistence around the world, with specific training designed for university students and young learners. (By Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

HAALAND JUST CAN’T STOP SCORING FOR MAN CITY: Erling Haaland has proven to be a sensational hit at Manchester City having arrived from Borussia Dortmund in August. The Norwegian striker has been plundering the goals for his new club and breaking all sorts of records. Last night he made history by scoring an astonishing five times as City overpowered RB Leipzig to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Haaland now becomes both the youngest and quickest player to reach 30 goals in Europe’s premier club competition. The 22-year-old’s tally for the season in all competitions is now 39 goals and with plenty of matches still to come, there is no telling how many goals he will end up with by the end of the season. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

LINDSAY LOHAN TO EMBRACE MOTHERHOOD: Hollywood star Lindsay Lohan’s pregnancy announcement is a heartening reminder that it’s not too late to embrace the back-to-basics joys of life. Lohan, who was once a portrait of a troubled star battling substance abuse issues and legal tangles, seems to have put her torrid past behind her and has turned over a proverbial new leaf. Months after marrying her husband Bader Shammas in a secret ceremony, the 36-year-old based in Dubai shared this joyful news with a simple and basic post. A white newborn onesie with ‘Coming Soon’ emblazoned on it reminds you that it’s never too late to start all over again. Here’s to stars – who may have been vulnerable and self-destructive – teaching us a thing or two about the endless possibilities in life and beyond. (Comment by Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)