The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
Middle East Edition
20th June 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Filipinos flee conflict in Israel
The Philippines is set to repatriate at least 178 Filipinos from Israel amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, according to the South East Asian country's Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Secretary Hans Cacdac said that the DMW is also aiding 14 workers in Iran, three in Jordan, and one in Iraq, along with 58 stranded at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. The Department of Foreign Affairs reports approximately 1,180 Filipinos in Iran and 30,742 in Israel.
EBOOK
Turn DEI & Wellbeing Into Board-Level Priorities — With Data & AI

HR leaders are under new pressure: deliver on DEI and wellbeing - and prove the business impact. Yet many struggle to translate these human-centred goals into language the boardroom understands: data, ROI, and strategic risk.

The Inclusion Equation is your playbook for doing exactly that.

In this free guide, Fortune 500 people analytics expert Dr. Serena Huang shows you how to harness data and AI to elevate DEI and wellbeing from “soft initiatives” to board-level priorities.

You’ll learn:
  • How to turn DEI and wellbeing into quantifiable, trackable metrics
  • Ways to engage and retain Gen Z and Millennial talent through targeted strategies
  • How to use data storytelling to secure CEO/CFO buy-in and budget
  • The future role of AI in building inclusive, healthy workplaces
Accessible yet deeply practical, this is a must-read for HRDs and CHROs leading through transformation.

📕 Normally $21 - yours free for a limited time.

👉 DOWNLOAD NOW

 
WORKFORCE
Saudi Arabia's global partnerships aim to shape the future of work
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development represented Saudi Arabia at the International Labour Conference in Geneva, highlighting the importance of international collaboration for sustainable labour market development. Minister Ahmad Al-Rajhi and ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo signed a renewed technical cooperation agreement, aiming to promote decent work and a resilient labour market. Significant reforms under Vision 2030 have led to over 700,000 Saudis entering private sector employment, and the participation rate of Saudi women in the workforce has risen to over 36%. The Kingdom says it is also committed to international labour standards, having ratified key ILO conventions, and is focused on attracting skilled professionals in critical sectors.
TECHNOLOGY
Iran's internet collapses amid conflict, say web monitoring firms
Internet connectivity in Iran has nearly vanished as the conflict with Israel escalates. NetBlocks reported that Iran is experiencing a "near-total national internet blackout," and David Belson, head of data insight at Cloudflare, noted that internet traffic levels in Iran are "now ~97% below where they were at the same time a week ago." The blackout coincides with not only military actions but also cyberattacks against Iran, including significant hacks of a major bank and a crypto exchange.
LEGAL
Saudi portal to streamline employee services
The Ministry of Justice in Saudi Arabia has introduced the Khadamati ("My Services") portal, aimed at enhancing employee performance and user experience. Minister of Justice Walid Al-Samaani said that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to provide flexible, high-quality service delivery. The Khadamati portal serves as a unified digital platform, allowing employees to manage their details and access services seamlessly. It automates routine procedures, speeds up application approvals, and reduces administrative burdens. The portal also reinforces procedural governance, aligning with best practices and supporting the ministry's commitment to modernising its administrative framework.
WORKPLACE
Muscat issues new heat guidelines for workers
The Ministry of Health in Muscat has introduced comprehensive guidelines to protect construction workers from heat stress during the peak summer months as part of the “Safe Summer” campaign. The initiative provides employers with essential recommendations, focusing on three key pillars: Smart Work Scheduling, Regular Breaks, and Cooling and Ventilation. Employers are advised to schedule strenuous tasks in the early morning or late afternoon and to pause outdoor work between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Workers should receive breaks every 45 to 60 minutes in shaded or air-conditioned areas to maintain hydration. The Ministry emphasised the importance of these measures to minimise heat-related illnesses, saying: "We urge all employers to adhere strictly to the guidelines."
STRATEGY
Monopoly maker Hasbro lays off 3% of workforce
Hasbro, the toy seller and maker of Monopoly, has laid off 3% of its global workforce, or about 150 employees, in an attempt to cut costs amid higher US. tariffs on toys from China. "We are aligning our structure with our long-term goals," Hasbro spokesperson Abby Hodes said. The toymaker sources about half of its toys and games sold in the US from China, and has been accelerating efforts to diversify sourcing. According to the company's fiscal 2024 annual filing, it had roughly 4,985 employees globally.
LEADERSHIP
Canon appoints new HR director
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) has appointed Deepali Arora as its new human resources director, responsible for leading HR functions across six offices in Africa, including the regional headquarters in Dubai. With nearly 20 years of HR leadership experience across various industries, Arora previously launched the Canon Clubs initiative to enhance workplace culture.
INTERNATIONAL
New UK rules seek to boost pay transparency
The UK government is considering new measures to enhance pay transparency among businesses and combat pay discrimination. Proposed changes include requiring employers to disclose salary brackets in job adverts and publish pay structures. Ministers are also contemplating increasing fines for companies that violate equal pay laws, which will now encompass race and disability discrimination. A government spokesperson said: "What our duty will do is require specified public bodies to consider how their choices might tackle socioeconomic inequality of outcome." The initiative aligns with the EU's pay transparency directive, promoting a proactive approach to pay equity. However, business groups have expressed concerns that these regulations may hinder their ability to attract talent.
Baidu will train AI talent 'like pilots'
Baidu is intensifying its search for artificial intelligence (AI) talent with a record recruitment drive, announcing a 60% increase in job openings this year. The Chinese search company aims to attract candidates across 23 core businesses and 11 research areas, including large language model algorithms and machine learning. “Baidu will train future AI navigators the way pilots are trained,” the firm said, as it highlighted a commitment to securing top-tier professionals in a competitive market. The recruitment push aligns with similar initiatives by rivals including ByteDance and Alibaba, as demand for skilled AI workers continues to surge amidst a limited talent pool.
New heat rules protect outdoor workers in France
Starting July 1st, new regulations in France aim to safeguard outdoor workers during extreme heat. The decree mandates that employers enhance protective measures against heat-related risks such as heat stroke and dehydration. Employers must adapt work processes, modify workplace layouts, and ensure access to fresh drinking water. The decree is particularly crucial as heatwaves become more frequent due to climate change, with vulnerable workers, especially in construction and agriculture, facing heightened risks.
Latin American AI model scheduled to launch later in year
A coalition of twelve Latin American countries is set to launch Latam-GPT in September, the first large artificial intelligence (AI) language model tailored to the region's cultural and linguistic diversity. Spearheaded by Chile's National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA) and supported by over 30 regional institutions, this open-source project aims to enhance AI accessibility and preserve Indigenous languages, with initial applications planned for education and public services. Chilean Science Minister Aisen Etcheverry described the initiative as a potential "democratising element for AI," and highlighted its role in addressing the limitations of existing global AI models.
OTHER
Congolese customs worker is beatified by the Vatican
The Vatican has beatified Floribèrt Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a Congolese customs worker killed in 2007 for resisting corruption. Kositi's refusal to allow spoiled rice to be distributed among the poor has made him a symbol of integrity in a country plagued by corruption. “On that day, those mafiosi found themselves in front of a young man who, in the name of the Gospel, said ‘No,'” said his friend Aline Manani. The beatification has brought hope to many in Congo, where corruption is rampant.
 


The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on Twitter.
Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe