Why global names are staying on in the UAE and countdown to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 begins, our editors comment on the top stories of November 16

DEALS AND IPOS KEEP DRAWING GLOBAL NAMES – AND TALENT - TO THE UAE: The series of IPOs hosted by Dubai and Abu Dhabi stock markets are the visible elements of the transformation in the UAE’s financial industry. With each new IPO, possibilities open up for new market makers and bespoke financial services firms to launch direct operations here. No more of the fly-in and fly-out once the deal gets done and the invoices banked. Nope, these global businesses and their personnel are staying on. So, if new hedge fund operators get licensed and open swanky offices at financial hubs here, it’s a win for the local markets. If all the talk about more mega-IPOs come through next year, then the action will just keep on happening. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

MEETING EMIRATISATION TARGETS: As the new Emiratisation rules comes into effect from January 1, 2023, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has warned companies against faking recruitment of Emiratis. The UAE private sector companies have until January 1 meet Emiratisation targets. Companies with 50 or more employees must raise their Emiratisation rate by two per cent of their overall skilled jobs. Private companies must follow new rules and recruit more Emiratis to aid the Emiratisation process launched by the government. (By Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor)

ENGLAND ARRIVE IN DOHA FOR QATAR WORLD CUP: Gareth Southgate and his England team arrived in Qatar last night ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on Sunday. His 26-man squad left the UK from Birmingham Airport earlier in the day and they will spend the next few days at their training camp near Doha. England are in Group B and will face Iran first on Monday, Nov 21. They also have games against the United States and Wales. Captain Harry Kane said the excitement is building among everyone and that the team is looking forward to the tournament. “We’re happy to be here and looking forward to being out on the training pitch,” said the striker. The Three Lions will be looking to go one better than their performance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia where they made it to the semi-finals but lost 2-1 against Croatia. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

STEVE HARVEY IS A PORTRAIT OF OPTIMISM: If unending optimism ever took the shape of a human being, then it might look something like the beloved US comedian, author, and game show host Steve Harvey. Yesterday, we met him in Abu Dhabi for an in-depth interview where we spoke about his eventful life and career. He had a take on everything and in an era where celebrities are guarded and petrified of saying the wrong things in an interview, Harvey was a delightful revelation. We spoke about him being broke, homeless, and then having enough money to buy a car that’s costlier than any plush vacation home. He also spoke about how his epic misfire during Miss Universe contest where he announced the wrong winner’s name altered his life and career forever. Here’s to public figures who own their mistakes and are willing to talk about it with grace and grit. (Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)