Why UAE consumers are bullish, RTA’s plan for delivery riders, and learning from tragedies, our editors comment on the top stories of Mar 6

ARE UAE CONSUMERS OVERCOMING THEIR CONCERNS OVER SPENDING? Just about every other resident in the UAE has plans to travel – either during Ramadan/Eid or immediately thereafter during the Summer break. If one goes by the dictum that travel is the one expense that consumers cut when inflation worries stalk them, then residents in the UAE don’t seem to be harboring any such concerns. They are making their travel plans, and moreover, paying to meet those plans. No cut backs there. Even if that means they will be spending extra as travel costs rise. As the end of the first quarter of 2023 nears, the UAE consumer seems to have replaced end-of-year anxieties with bullishness - tinged with various shades of caution. (By Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

DUBAI GOES THE EXTRA MILE FOR DELIVERY RIDERS: From our meals to official documents, delivery motorbike riders bring us what we need, day in and day out. They are always on the go and to make things easier for them, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will build dedicated rest-stops – both permanent and temporary ones – for the riders. It will be a place where they can safely take a break and have refreshments. RTA meanwhile continues to raise their awareness of traffic safety rules and gives certificates and awards for responsible riding. Officials in Dubai are never far when caring for riders and other road users. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

LEARNING FROM CRASHES AND ACCIDENTS: A massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria, a boat capsize involving migrants, a train crash in Greece and a fire at a refugee camp in Bangladesh - the past month has been a deadly one. A month after the quake, many are in refugee camps and aid is still trickling in. Stories about why people risked everything to embark on a perilous journey to Europe are still coming in. And people are protesting a tragic train accident in France with the Prime Minister seeking forgiveness. While natural disasters like earthquakes cannot be predicted, some deaths like those on migrant journeys and train crashes can be avoided with oversight and strict controls. Accidents like these are a wakeup call to tighten our belts and prevent future ones. (By Alex Abraham, Senior Associate Editor)

MANCHESTER UNITED CAN FORGET ABOUT QUADRUPLE AFTER LIVERPOOL THRASHING: Liverpool's stunning 7-0 victory over Manchester United at Anfield was a reality check for Erik Ten Hag’s men. It was the biggest beating in the history of this famous fixture and the heaviest defeat inflicted on United in 92 years. The win was celebrated wildly by Liverpool’s fans and will be remembered forever by everyone who witnessed it. United were the favourites to take three points and close the gap on league leaders Arsenal. And even though they are a vastly improved team compared to last season, it is quite obvious that they are not yet the finished product. There was talk of them doing the quadruple but after this thrashing that looks very unlikely. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)