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Middle East Edition
21st March 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Arab sovereign wealth funds 'above the law in UK'
An employment tribunal in the UK has ruled that Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds are effectively above British law and can claim diplomatic immunity if accused of wrongdoing. The court found that a former head of the London-based Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) could not claim wrongful dismissal because the English courts have no jurisdiction over the trillion-dollar fund. Judge Brown determined that the KIA, which manages approximately $50bn (£39bn) in UK assets, including shares in BP, Vodafone, HSBC and London City airport, is a separate entity from the Kuwaiti government and thus immune from legal action. The KIA has also invested in luxury property in the UK and invested $2.7bn in the More London development near Tower Bridge. Geoffrey Robertson KC said: "Diplomats are not allowed to engage in business, but we know Middle East embassies where they do little else. The UK Government has turned a blind eye to this because the Foreign Office favours certain governments for trading reasons and does not ask questions. The courts have said, 'Well, the UK Government accepts these people as diplomats, and diplomats they are.'" 
HIRING
MOHRE cracks down on illegal hiring
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) in the UAE has issued a stern warning to private sector employers against hiring individuals without valid work permits, even for trial purposes. The ministry said: “Employing a worker in violation of labour laws for trial purposes to ‘regularise’ their status is strictly prohibited.” MOHRE conducts joint inspections with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) to identify illegal employment. Employers found hiring undocumented workers face severe penalties, including suspension of their labour file and potential legal action. The ministry also highlighted the importance of engaging licensed recruitment agencies to ensure compliance with labour laws. Recent legislative changes have strengthened protections for both workers and employers, including extending the probation period for domestic workers and implementing mandatory financial guarantees from recruitment agencies. MOHRE remains committed to regulating employment practices and ensuring adherence to UAE labour laws.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Saudi Arabia's cricket league ambition
Saudi Arabia is planning a $500m T20 cricket league featuring eight teams across four cities, which could potentially rival the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the richest cricket tournament globally. Although there has been no official confirmation from Saudi authorities, the initiative aligns with the country's broader vision for sports development, especially following its successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Sudhakar Shetty, a Dubai-based cricket coach, highlighted the role of cricket in motivating construction workers in Neom, saying: “Cricket has become a tool to motivate construction workers because a lot of the people are from the sub-continent.”
STRATEGY
Siemens to axe 6,000 jobs
Siemens has announced plans to eliminate over 6,000 jobs globally, representing about 2% of its workforce, due to weak demand and heightened competition in key markets including China and Germany. The majority of these cuts will occur in the factory automation unit, with around 5,600 positions expected to be lost by 2027, particularly in Germany. The company said: "Muted demand primarily in the key markets of China and Germany coupled with increased competitive pressures have considerably reduced orders and revenue." Additionally, 450 jobs will be cut from the company's electric vehicle charging business. Siemens says it aims to enhance competitiveness and invest in growth areas despite the challenges it faces in the industrial automation sector. At the end of last year, Siemens employed approximately 313,000 people worldwide.
WORKFORCE
QIC honours 83 employees for service
Qatar Insurance Group (QIC) recently honoured 83 employees for their exceptional dedication at its annual Long Service Award Ceremony, held during the Ramadan Suhoor gathering. The awards recognised staff members from both Qatar and international operations for their years of service, with 27 employees celebrating five years, 31 for ten years, and others reaching milestones of 15, 20, 25, and 30 years. Rashid al-Buainain, group chief administrative officer of QIC, said: “Today, we celebrate the dedication and hard work of our employees who have been fundamental to QIC's transformation.” The event underscored QIC's commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent.
LEGAL
Kuwaiti court employees caught cheating
Seven employees from a Kuwaiti court were recently arrested for allegedly falsifying their attendance records. The session secretaries manipulated the automated fingerprint system using fake silicone wax moulds. Their deception was uncovered when CCTV footage revealed them using forged fingerprints to register absent colleagues. Following this revelation, the Interior Ministry took action, arresting the individuals, who have since been released on bail as investigations continue.
TECHNOLOGY
Human traits will remain critical for law firms
According to Simmons & Simmons' "Law firm of the Future" survey, a significant majority of general counsel and senior legal heads believe that human traits like empathy and soft skills will be essential in the legal profession over the next decade. The survey, which included 500 legal heads, revealed that 78% anticipate these traits will remain in demand even as artificial intelligence technology advances. Additionally, 77% expect lawyers' skills to evolve in response to changing client needs, necessitating a blend of traditional legal expertise and multidisciplinary skills, particularly in technology. Julian Taylor, Simmons’ senior partner, observed: “Our findings show that legal advisers from some of the world’s biggest companies expect the law firm of a decade from now to look dramatically different.”
INTERNATIONAL
Lawyers speak up as firms stay silent
Law professors, bar associations and a federal judge have condemned US President Donald Trump's targeting of major law firms over their diversity policies and political clients, but law firms have stayed silent, reports Reuters. Public reaction from large corporate firms has so far come mainly from their lawyers via LinkedIn posts and an online effort involving junior lawyers at Skadden and other firms that is meant to encourage a larger institutional response. Reuters says all 30 of the largest US firms it contacted for their response to recent government actions either declined to comment or did not respond to requests for comment. As of yesterday afternoon, an open letter calling on major firms "to defend their colleagues and the legal profession" from Trump's actions had 444 signatories who identified themselves as associates at dozens of firms. The letter did not name the lawyers, only their firms.
Hungary cuts taxes to boost births
Hungary is implementing radical financial incentives to combat its declining fertility rate, which is projected to drop from 9.6m to 8.5m by 2050, according to the Hungarian Research Network. Mothers with two or more children will be exempt from income tax for life, while those with one child will enjoy tax exemption until age 30. Despite previous incentives that raised the fertility rate from 1.2 in 2011 to 1.6 in 2021, the rate has since stalled at 1.38. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán described the tax cut as “the largest in Europe, and indeed the entire Western world,” which aims to create a “family-centred economy.” He said: “With this, we are securing the future of Hungarian families for decades to come.”
Petro-backed Colombian labour reform faces major setback
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has faced a significant setback, with a Senate committee rejecting his proposed labour reforms. The bill, which sought to enhance worker conditions and protections, was rejected by eight out of 14 senators on the committee, marking its second failure in Congress. Business associations opposed the reform, citing concerns over increased labour costs. Despite the rejection, Petro urged on his supporters, saying: "The people must rebel with the greatest possible force. We do not accept tyrannies."
 


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