Why the UAE is the right place for COP28, and the best movie of 2022, our editors comment on the top stories of December 9

WHY UAE IS THE RIGHT PLACE FOR COP28: There are compelling reasons behind UAE’s selection as the host of the COP28 global climate conference in 2023. A glimpse of the country’s relentless drive towards environmental sustainability has been provided at the Renewables Talk in Abu Dhabi. Central to the UAE’s net-zero target by 2050 is decarbonisation through the use of renewable sources of energy. The good news, shared at the event in the capital, is that these sustainable and pollution-free sources are increasingly coming within economic reach as technology continues to drive down costs of harnessing them. This is why a year from now, Expo City Dubai – itself an iconic of sustainability – will host top decision makers to see renewed pledges from nations for a cleaner, greener world. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

DUBAI’S GROWTH NARRATIVE: With its latest budget outlook, Dubai anchors its ambitions around expanding the economy's base and taking the whole process closer to its Strategic Plan 2030. Forecasted public revenues for the coming financial year are higher by nearly 20 per cent, solidifying the platform on which those ambitions are built on. But the gameplan for 2023-25 represents an extension of what has worked so well for the emirate in the last 3 years. Of course, added to which are all the hard lessons the authorities inculcated during the worst of the pandemic phase. However, there is also one constant from years and decades past - the emphasis on expanding the infrastructure, whereby spending on this would make up 41 per cent of the total. Lessons old and new always come in handy for Dubai. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

A MARK OF GREATNESS FROM MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE: Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has a close association with history, right from the start of his international Test career. His career is nothing short of a fairy tale. After getting an unexpected break as the first concussion substitute in history of Tests when Steve Smith was felled by a bouncer from Jofra Archer in 2019, Labuschagne has literally grabbed the chance with both hands. His meteoric rise has helped him cement his spot at No 3 and has been plundering runs over the last few years. He has so far scored 3,000 runs in 30 Tests at an average of 59. A remarkable feat with three consecutive centuries in three innings against West Indies after becoming only the eighth player in history to score a double century and a century in the same Test. His stunning knock has helped him regain the top spot in ICC Test rankings, surpassing England great Joe Root. Certainly, a mark of greatness from the Australian, who is set to rewrite some more history. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

‘TOP GUN’ MIGHT BE 2022’S BEST MOVIE: A touch of nostalgia, old-school Hollywood tropes and death-defying stunts seem to be the formula that has made ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ the biggest box-office hit of the year. The Tom Cruise-led movie was also just named best film of the year by the National Board of Review. The sequel could have gone overboard in an attempt to make itself more relevant this year, but it didn’t. The makers kept the narrative and themes close to the original from 1986 and let viewers enjoy a simple but exciting blockbuster action movie. More films can and should follow its lead. (By Jennifer Barretto, Assistant Editor – Entertainment)