Why Dubai Airports deserve kudos, and Make in the Emirates will draw younger workforce, our editors comment on the top stories of December 7

WELL DONE, DUBAI AIRPORTS: Dubai’s efforts to ensure inclusivity deserves special mention. The latest demonstration of this is Dubai Airports’ initiative to facilitate a seamless travel experience for all People of Determination (POD) with hidden disabilities through Dubai International (DXB). The programme’s roll-out in two phases over two years will surely make a world of difference to passengers with autism, chronic fatigue and post-traumatic stress disorder. The extent to which the authorities go to address details that matter is commendable. Kudos Dubai Airports. (By Sharmila Dhal, UAE Editor).

PROMOTING STARTUPS IN THE UAE: UAE's latest initiative to promote startups is yet another move to reduce dependence on imports and increase self-reliance. The country's Make in the Emirates programme and in-country value schemes are perhaps the only way a country can cushion itself from international economic turbulences. Boosting manufacturing and other future economic sectors will help diversify the country's export base from petroleum and derivatives, and cement its position as a global trading hub. Being at the top of global economic trends will also ensure the country attracts a younger workforce from across the world. (By Anupam Varma, Assistant Editor)

BORING SPAIN MUST MAKE BIG CHANGES: Spain have been accused of being boring after the team was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup following a penalty shootout defeat against Morocco. Coach Luis Enrique had promised the fans he would give them a show in Qatar but aside for one big win over Costa Rica, his team were disappointing. Spain dominated possession in all four of their games at the tournament yet they never really looked like they knew what to do with the ball. The Red Fury have been playing this way for decades so it is no surprise. But this new young team that Enrique has built seemed especially tedious. They made 1,019 passes compared to Morocco’s 304 yet the North Africans looked far more dangerous on the ball and played with speed and power. Spain continued to cautiously knock the ball around at the back and did not look threatening at all. They look miles away from competing with the top nations and the question is whether this is the end for Enrique and his passing experiment. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

WILL ARYAN IGNITE NEPOTISM DEBATE?: Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan is all set to make his debut in the movie industry — not as an actor by as a director. It’s unclear what movie he’ll be working on, but one thing’s for sure — the debate on nepotism is going to be ignited again. This is not exactly a new phenomenon. Johnny Depp’s daughter Lily-Rose Depp recently got a social media lashing for her comments on being a “nepo-baby”. We can’t stop celebrity kids from pursuing whatever careers they want, but they should learn to be humble and appreciative of the chances they’ve been given and work hard like everyone else who’s trying to make it big. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Entertainment)