Why UAE investors remain optimistic, ‘1 Billion Meals’ initiative is a big hit, and more, Gulf News Editors comment on the top stories on March 27

UAE INVESTORS CUT OUT THE WHITE NOISE: UAE stock market investors have cut out the noise roiling the global stock markets and the banking sector – first, by committing overwhelmingly to the Dubai family firm Al Ansari’s IPO. And second, giving a rousing welcome to the Presight AI listing on ADX, with the stock zooming through the charts. Investors’ hyper-focussed on the localised strength of these entities and that was enough. Plus, both companies went in for well-priced stock offers, and that too helped convince retail investors. Their success sets up the platform for more UAE IPOs, even at a time when global markets are not on the best footing. But the shocks the banking sector went through with Credit Suisse had its repercussions for one individual – the Saudi National Bank’s chairman Ammar Al Khudairy. (Manoj Nair, Business Editor)

UAE COMMUNITY REACHES NEW MILESTONE IN AID: In just a week since its launch, the UAE’s ‘1 Billion Meals’ endowment to provide food packs to needy communities globally has raised Dh247 million, thanks to residents, businesses and government entities. This speaks volumes about the rapid and remarkable response to the call of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who had announced the campaign on the brink of Ramadan. No matter how high the target, the individuals and institutions of the UAE are always ready to come to the aid of people around the world. (By Faisal Masudi, Assistant Editor)

CONTE QUITS AS TOTTENHAM COACH: Tottenham Hotspur are looking for their fourth new manager in four years after Italian Antonio Conte left the club by mutual consent. He was in charge of the Premier League team for just 16 months but his time was cut short following his criticism of the team in a remarkable press conference after they drew 3-3 against Southampton. His departure became a formality after he went after the players and called them selfish. He also criticised the club’s culture and it was clear from then that either chairman Daniel Levy would sack the former Inter Milan boss or that he would step down. The latter has happened and now the North London giants must find a top class replacement. There are just 10 games left and the club is currently sitting in fourth spot in the table. If they can remain there and qualify for the Champions League their season can still be called a success, despite all the recent turmoil. (By Imran Malik, Assistant Sports Editor)

IT’S A DARK DAY FOR MALAYALAM CINEMA LOVERS: South Indian actor and comic legend Innocent died last night at 75, but he leaves a treasure trove of divine comic gold behind. Now here’s an actor who brought to life the fallacies of an ordinary man with a unique blend of wit and physical comedy. His iconic dialogues and his style of delivering those laugh-out-loud lines were inimitable. His brand of humour, physical and wicked, cut across class, caste, and gender lines. While every other actor had to constantly re-invent themselves in every era, Innocent’s craft remained timeless. His jokes on-screen always landed and his chemistry with matinee idols like Mohanlal remain unparalleled. It’s truly the end of a comic era in Malayalam cinema with Innocent out of the picture. But his jokes shall never cease to entertain. Just like his adopted stage name, Innocent, his jokes lived up to his name. We shall miss him. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)