Unfathomable fire tragedy in Johannesburg, Accident-free day bonus in Dubai, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on August 31 trending news

UNFATHOMABLE TRAGEDY IN JOHANNESBURG: A devastating fire has swept through a Johannesburg building turned makeshift shelter claiming the lives of at least 73 people and leaving dozens injured, including a toddler. The building, previously a five-story structure, had become an informal settlement, revealing a tale of struggle and desperation. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation as South African authorities and the community grapple with the enormity of the tragedy. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and highlights the vulnerability of marginalised populations. As recovery efforts continue, the African nation must seek to honour their memory by working towards better living conditions and preventing future disasters. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

CRYPTO BUSINESSES IN DUBAI GET ‘VARA-CERTIFIED’: While Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is trying to get its act together, Dubai is ushering a new era for cryptocurrency businesses by requiring them to operate as licensed and fully regulated entities under the emirate’s virtual assets regulator. This move aims to ensure proper credentials for crypto operations, enhancing client protection and preventing market blowouts seen in jurisdictions with inadequate regulations. Any business involving cryptocurrencies, even hotels or rental car dealers, must be registered and licensed. Starting August 31 entities in Dubai that qualify for the ‘Full Market Product’ license, can transition to the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) regime. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

ACCIDENT-FREE DAY BONUS: Participating in this week's accident-free day wasn't just about safety — it was an opportunity to chip away at those black points on your driving record. The deal was simple: a day without violations or accidents meant a generous deduction of four black points from your file. It’s automatic. Your licence plays host to a scale of four to 24 black points, and once it tips over the edge, you could kiss your licence goodbye, at least temporarily. To unearth your black point count, you've got options. For the tech-savvy, the Dubai Police website is a good starting point. Navigate through the digital maze, entering your license number – and the numbers unfold. Alternatively, the Ministry of Interior holds answers with the UAE Pass app. On your personal dashboard, your driving dossier reveals itself, black points and all. The accident-free day offer is a generous gesture. It’s a reminder that every road user has an important role to play to keep our roads safe. Keep racking up those accident-free days. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

LEGO BUILDS ON BARBIE'S BLOCKBUSTER TRIUMPH: Following the candy-flossed film Barbie's monumental success, Lego is now gearing up for a cinematic comeback. The Danish toy giant, renowned for "Lego Movie" in 2014, aims to rekindle its movie presence after Mattel's hit with "Barbie" this summer. The company hinted at a new movie venture, to cash in on the rise in demand for family-oriented films. This strategy reflects Lego's bid to stay relevant in a digital-dominant era where traditional toy makers explore cinema. As the toy industry adapts, Lego's return to movies could mark an interesting chapter, captivating audiences young and old on the silver screen. It looks like family-oriented films are here to stay and we couldn’t be happier. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)