Human Times

Middle East Edition

24th October 2025

THE HOT STORY

Kuwait mandates electronic work schedules

Kuwait's Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has mandated that all employers submit work schedules through the "Ashal" electronic system starting November 1, 2025. Employers must provide details on daily working hours, rest periods, and holidays, updating this information as changes occur. PAM will use the submitted data for inspections and may take legal action against non-compliant employers, including suspending their files. To assist, PAM has introduced a form on its "Easy" e-services platform for private sector entities to request approval for their working hours, which must be displayed prominently at workplaces.

Zawya EN

WORKFORCE

New rules protect domestic workers

Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations to protect domestic workers, prohibiting employers from charging fees for recruitment, permits, or transfers. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) stated that violators could face fines of up to SR20,000 and a three-year ban on hiring domestic workers. The guide ensures fair treatment, including timely wage payments, rest days, and the right to retain personal documents. Employers must provide suitable housing and healthcare, while workers are expected to maintain respect and confidentiality. The ministry aims to uphold justice and human dignity in employment relationships.

Khaleej Times Online

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Women redefine workplace power in Gulf

The Gulf region is witnessing a shift in women's roles in the workplace, driven by national agendas like Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Henkel is at the forefront, focusing on empowering women to take on strategic leadership positions. Simon Ulmann, vice president of operations and supply chain, stated: "Diversity without decision-making authority is a missed opportunity." Henkel's CHAiNGERS program prepares female engineers for impactful roles, while the NextGen Leaders program nurtures young Saudi STEM professionals. The emphasis is on creating leaders who influence business decisions, ensuring women's leadership is integral to sustainable growth.

Arab News

REMUNERATION

Edenred leads UAE payroll revolution

Edenred, the first company authorised by the Central Bank of the UAE to process WPS salaries, is enhancing its position in payroll solutions under managing director Claudio Di Zanni. The company serves over 15,000 corporate clients and 2.5m cardholders, focusing on financial inclusion. The company aims to deepen client trust and expand services while ensuring compliance in a changing regulatory environment, ultimately providing secure financial management for previously excluded workers.

Zawya EN

HR TECHNOLOGY

Basharsoft expands reach with iCareer acquisition

BasharSoft, the company behind Egypt's leading job platforms Wuzzuf and Forasna, has acquired iCareer, Egypt's largest employment consultancy. The acquisition enhances BasharSoft's presence in the GCC markets, following its recent launch in Saudi Arabia. Ameer Sherif, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of BasharSoft, said: "Combining BasharSoft's technology and data with iCareer's field expertise creates a powerful synergy." The merger aims to empower millions of job seekers and improve recruitment solutions across the region, with a goal of impacting 100m people by 2030.

Zawya EN

PRODUCTIVITY

Flexibility at work: the new norm

Employees are shifting their views on energy and creativity at work, with flexibility becoming a fundamental expectation rather than a perk. Research from FlexJobs indicates that 73% of employees find flexible work options enhance job satisfaction. The concept of "sidequests," inspired by video gaming, encourages employees to take short breaks for personal activities, which can boost productivity and retention. Ryan Starks, head of growth at Rising Team, noted: "Taking sidequests replenishes productivity." Companies that embrace this flexibility see improved employee engagement and loyalty, making it a strategic tool for retention.

Forbes

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Musk brands advisory firms corporate terrorists

During Tesla's third-quarter earnings call, chief executive Elon Musk referred to shareholder advisory firms Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services as "corporate terrorists" for opposing his proposed $1tn pay package. Musk criticised their recommendations, calling them "asinine" and claimed they have made poor suggestions in the past that could harm Tesla's future. Despite securing $28.09bn in revenue, Tesla's earnings per share fell short of expectations. Musk's previous $56bn pay package was blocked by a judge, and shareholders are urged to vote against his latest proposal, which is contingent on future company performance.

Forbes

WORKPLACE

Zain tops MEAN employers list

Zain has been recognised as the top telecommunications company in the MENA region on Forbes' World's Best Employers list for 2025. The ranking reflects Zain's commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, supported by its "4WARD-Progress with Purpose" strategy. Zain's recent upgrade to an ‘A’ rating in ESG by Morgan Stanley Capital International highlights its focus on employee satisfaction and career advancement. Zain's initiatives, including the "BE WELL" mental health programme and women's empowerment efforts, demonstrate its dedication to fostering a positive work environment.

Zawya EN

ECONOMY

MENA's hospitality market set to soar

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) hospitality market is projected to grow from $310bn in 2025 to over $487bn by 2032, according to a report released ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit. The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that the sector will contribute $367bn to the regional economy this year, supporting 7.7m jobs. Amr El Nady, Head of Hotels & Hospitality MEA at Jones Lang Lasalle, noted that Saudi Arabia aims for 150m tourist arrivals by 2030, while Egypt targets 30m by 2028. The region's investment appeal continues to attract diverse capital sources.

Zawya EN

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Dubai universities lead AI education revolution

Higher education institutions in Dubai are enhancing AI and digital literacy pathways for students. These initiatives align with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and Education 33 strategy (E33). According to the Jobs of the Future report, 82% of students believe technology will shape their future. Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai International Academic City, said: "Today's academic programmes must empower generations of learners that are increasingly more tech-savvy than ever before." Universities are introducing innovative AI programmes to prepare students for evolving job roles in a tech-driven economy.

Zawya EN

Zayed University advances smart learning

Zayed University unveiled initiatives at GITEX GLOBAL 2025 to enhance smart learning and inclusion. Collaborating with Cisco, the university launched an 'Active Learning Space' pilot project, integrating digital tools to boost engagement and sustainability. Partnerships with Etisalat by e& and the Zayed Authority for People of Determination aim to strengthen digital infrastructure and support students with disabilities. These efforts align with the UAE's digital and educational goals, fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment.

Zawya EN

Oman summit accelerates digital transformation

The Oman Research and Education Network Technology Summit (OTS25) commenced in Muscat, focusing on AI as a key driver for digital transformation. Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, opened the event, which featured discussions on AI's role in education and research. Najah bint Mohammed al Rashdiyah, Director-General of the Innovation Centre, emphasised the importance of collaboration in integrating AI into curricula. Dr Abdullah bin Sharaf al Ghamdi highlighted Saudi Arabia's AI advancements. The summit aims to foster partnerships and enhance Oman's digital economy through AI adoption, innovation, and ethical practices.

Zawya EN

INTERNATIONAL

UK gender pay gap shrinks

The UK's gender pay gap has decreased by over 25% in the last decade, according to the Office for National Statistics. As of April, the gap in full-time employment stands at 6.9%. Additionally, the proportion of workers in low-paid jobs has reached a record low of 2.5%. The report highlights significant progress in reducing wage disparities. A spokesperson from the Office for National Statistics stated: "These figures reflect a positive trend in the labour market."

The I

Meta cuts 600 AI jobs amid hiring

Meta Platforms is reducing its workforce by approximately 600 positions within its artificial intelligence divisions, including the Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) unit, as well as product-related AI and AI infrastructure units. Despite these cuts, Meta continues to recruit for its superintelligence lab, particularly the TBD Lab, which focuses on developing large language models. The company encourages affected employees to apply for other roles within Meta. This move highlights Meta's strategic shift in AI development, even as it faces competition from companies like OpenAI and Google.

U.S. News

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