THE HOT STORY

GPSSA warns employers on contributions

The UAE General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has issued a warning to private sector employers regarding the timely payment of contributions for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals. Starting from July 2025, employers who delay these payments will incur additional fines, as stipulated by federal pension laws. The GPSSA emphasised that contributions are due from the first day of the month following the month owed, with a fine of 0.1% per day imposed from the 16th of the month for any delays. The initiative is part of the Unified System for Extending Insurance Protection, ensuring GCC nationals receive the same insurance coverage as in their home countries. The GPSSA stated: "Employers are obligated to register their GCC national employees and pay their contributions in accordance with the insurance system of the employee's home country." The system is mandatory for both public and private sectors.

Gulfnews.com

WORKFORCE

Transport solutions for Qatari workers unveiled

Qatar's Ministry of Transport (MoT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Workers' Support and Insurance Fund to provide dedicated transportation solutions for workers attending labour dispute sessions. The initiative aims to enhance cooperation and support the stability of Qatar's labour market. Eng. Hamad Issa Abdullah, MoT's acting assistant undersecretary of Land Transport, stated that the MoU reflects the ministry's commitment to protecting workers' rights and ensuring their access to services. Kholoud Saif al-Kubaisi, executive director of the Fund, emphasised the importance of removing logistical barriers for workers seeking legal recourse. The collaboration aims to facilitate a fair work environment and improve the efficiency of the transportation system in line with Qatar's national agenda on human rights and decent work.

Gulf Times

More male doctors needed in Bahrain

Aqeel Al A'ali, chairman of the A'ali Social Charity Society, has called for the recruitment of more male doctors in Bahrain. This initiative arises from increasing complaints from male patients who feel embarrassed discussing certain health issues with female physicians. Al A'ali emphasised that the lack of male doctors is deterring men from seeking essential medical check-ups, which are crucial for early diagnosis.

Gdn Online

HIRING

Meet Sara: your new AI interviewer

Teammates.ai has launched Sara, an artificial intelligence (AI) Interviewer fluent in over 50 languages, including Arabic dialects. The tool allows companies to conduct interviews at an unprecedented scale, interviewing thousands of candidates per hour without the need for extensive setup. Kareem Ayyad, founder and chief executive, said: “Sara brings fully autonomous screening to talent acquisition in any role or skill.” Early pilot results across the GCC indicate an 85% reduction in screening costs, a tenfold increase in hiring speed, and a fivefold improvement in identifying high performers.

Zawya EN

Revolutionising recruitment with AuthenX

AuthenX, developed by Pangaea X, is an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform designed to enhance the recruitment process for data analysts. By automating candidate screening, it allows recruiters to focus on a refined shortlist, improving efficiency and reducing bias. Internal trials have shown a remarkable 65% improvement in screening accuracy. Jadd Elliot Dib, chief executive of Pangaea X, said: “Hiring for technical roles continues to be one of the most resource-intensive tasks for organizations.” AuthenX employs generative AI to assess both hard and soft skills, providing a comprehensive evaluation of candidates.

Zawya EN

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Health and culture unite for workers

In Doha, the Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre, in collaboration with the Primary Health Care Corporation, recently organised a medical awareness programme for 340 workers from Qatari Diar and Qatar Construct Company. The initiative provided on-site medical check-ups, free medication, and health education, while also introducing participants to Islamic and Qatari culture. The programme aims to address both healthcare and cultural needs, ensuring convenience by delivering services directly to workers. The Centre continues to partner with national institutions, with many healthcare professionals volunteering their time to support underserved communities.

The Peninsula

Stay cool: heat stress awareness campaign launched

Qatar's Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the Workers' Support and Insurance Fund, has initiated a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about heat stress and its prevention. The campaign, organised by the Occupational Safety and Health Department, aims to educate workers about symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue, and encourages hydration and breaks in shaded areas. The Ministry also urged companies to implement preventative measures, including annual training and providing cold drinking water. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to ensure safe working environments, particularly during extreme summer temperatures.

The Peninsula

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Transforming training for Oman’s future

The Ministry of Labour in Oman has launched a three-day development workshop focused on training governance. Salim Musallam Al Busaidi, undersecretary for Human Resources Development, stated that the workshop aims to "reshape the future of government and private training" in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. The event will assess challenges, review initiatives, and propose projects to enhance the training and human resources development sector. It seeks to create a roadmap that aligns training pathways with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, prioritising human capital development. The workshop will also explore updated laws and regulations for training governance.

TimesofOman

SUSTAINABILITY

SAB joins sustainability champions programme

Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) has officially joined the Sustainability Champions Program initiated by the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP), marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainability. The signing ceremony, held on May 28, 2025, at SAB Tower, highlighted the bank's dedication to enhancing sustainability across key sectors. Tony Cripps, managing director of SAB, said: "Sustainability is no longer a choice—it's a responsibility." As a mentor in the programme, SAB will guide prominent organisations such as Dallah Healthcare Company and Rawabi Holding Company in their sustainability efforts. The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and reinforces SAB's role in fostering sustainable economic development through its comprehensive ESG strategy.

Saudi Gazette

MANAGEMENT

AI takes the reins in management

In 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving from a supportive tool to a management force, influencing tasks such as performance assessment and promotions. A recent report revealed that 94% of managers now utilise AI for hiring and firing decisions. This shift means employees may find themselves evaluated by software rather than human managers, with 78% of UK companies employing agentic AI to manage workflows. While AI can enhance productivity and reduce bias, it also raises concerns about employee stress and surveillance. Many workers feel micromanaged by systems lacking empathy, leading to anxiety and burnout. However, employees are not powerless; they can adapt by mastering AI tools and advocating for transparency in AI policies.

Forbes

INTERNATIONAL

UK to ban NDAs linked to harassment or discrimination

The UK Government is set to amend the Employment Rights Bill to prohibit the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence employees who have experienced harassment or discrimination. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Raynor said: "Victims and witnesses of harassment and discrimination should never be silenced." The legislation aims to empower workers, allowing them to speak freely about their experiences without fear of legal repercussions. The changes will not affect NDAs used for legitimate commercial purposes but will create one of the most robust protection regimes globally. A report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development revealed that 22% of employers use NDAs for sexual harassment cases.

The Times

London Evening Standard

The Guardian

Job market woes for recent US grads

The job market for recent graduates in the United States is facing significant challenges, with an unemployment rate of 5.8%, the highest since November 2013, excluding the pandemic period. The overall hiring for new graduates has decreased by 16% in 2025, with sectors like technology and finance particularly affected. Analysts attribute this trend to post-pandemic hiring slowdowns and economic uncertainty under President Donald Trump's administration. Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon, noted that the hiring slowdown "disproportionately" impacts recent graduates. With rising student debt and a challenging job market, many young people are left feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their futures.

Khaleej Times Online

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