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Middle East Edition
9th July 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

UAE employers embrace pay-for-performance

Employers in the UAE are increasingly adopting a pay-for-performance model to attract and retain top talent amid a growing population, which has risen from 9.44m in 2020 to an estimated 11.34m in 2024. Andrew El Zein, Principal and Senior Manager of Compensation Consulting at Mercer, said: "This shift helps manage fixed costs while offering short- and long-term incentives to retain key and critical talent." The median salary increase in the UAE is projected to be 4% in 2024, with similar growth expected in 2025. Additionally, companies are personalising employee benefits to cater to diverse needs, with flexible work arrangements becoming essential due to traffic congestion. El Zein noted: "Flexibility in work hours is now recognised as a crucial tool in attracting and retaining local talent." Skills mobility is also on the rise, with employees moving across departments to enhance their careers.
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WORKFORCE

Empowering disabled workers: a new era

The Business and Human Rights Forum, held in Muscat under the auspices of Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, aims to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the private sector. Dr Rashid bin Hamad al Balushi, chair of the Oman Human Rights Commission, stated: "Holding such a forum is a practical translation of the Oman Human Rights Commission's mandate." The forum seeks to promote equal opportunity and non-discrimination, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Key objectives include fostering dialogue among stakeholders, raising awareness of international human rights principles, and addressing challenges in integrating these principles into business policies. The event features five sessions over two days, with 16 scientific papers presented on various relevant topics.

Final call for expat workers

The Ministry of Labour in Oman has issued a final reminder to expat workers and employers regarding the urgent need to regularise employment status before the deadline of 31 July 2025. The ministry emphasised that “no applications submitted after this date will be considered,” urging all parties to take advantage of the ongoing waiver initiative, which aims to enhance workforce regulation and protect rights. The initiative, valued at up to 60m Omani rials, includes the cancellation of fines for expired labour cards inactive for over seven years and exemptions for repatriation costs for workers who left before 2018. The grace period for regularising worker status runs from 1 February to 31 July 2025, with applications accepted only through the Ministry's official channels. Oman's expatriate workforce is predominantly from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, making up over 80% of the labour force.

OFWs in Dubai get contract verification boost

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Dubai can now process their employment contract verification more efficiently with a new online system launched by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on July 7. This system allows OFWs to submit and verify documents remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai. Previously, OFWs faced challenges securing appointment slots for verification. The new platform, developed in partnership with the DataFlow Group, accepts up to 200 applications per weekday and aims to streamline the verification process.

Dock workers refuse military cargo

Dock workers at the port of Piraeus have declared their intention to refuse unloading the Ever Golden, a container ship carrying military-grade steel destined for Israel. The Enedep union said: “We will not unload a single inch of this murderous cargo,” emphasising their opposition to Greece's involvement in military transfers. The ship, which is expected to arrive on 14 July, is set to transfer its cargo to the Folk Dammam, owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, for delivery to Haifa. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement has called for action against such shipments, urging activists to pressure authorities to prevent illegal military transfers. The dock workers' stance reflects a growing trend of resistance at European ports against military shipments linked to the ongoing conflict.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Citadel's groundbreaking hire: a CMO

Citadel has appointed Dr. David Stark as its first chief medical officer, a move aimed at enhancing employee wellness and performance. According to Sjoerd Geharing, the firm's chief people officer, Dr. Stark “will be responsible for driving innovation in employee benefits and wellness.” This initiative reflects a growing trend in the finance industry, where firms are increasingly investing in employee wellness roles to alleviate workplace pressures. Dr. Stark previously served as chief medical officer at Morgan Stanley, where he redefined employee health plans. The importance of such roles is underscored by research from former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, which states that “employees who are in good physical, mental, and emotional health are more likely to deliver optimal performance.” Citadel's move aligns with similar practices in tech companies, fostering a culture of care and loyalty.

Stay cool: wearable tech for summer

As summer temperatures soar globally, innovative wearable technology is emerging to protect outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses. Doctors emphasise the importance of regulating body temperature, prompting employers to adopt solutions like cooling vests. In Osaka, staff at Expo 2025 utilise solar-powered utility vests developed by Toyoda Gosei, featuring flexible solar panels that power neck fans for personal airflow. Anrealage's fashion-tech jackets, showcased at Paris Fashion Week, incorporate small electric fans for added comfort. The ANA Group has also introduced fan-equipped vests for its ground handling staff. In motorsport, new cooling vests with fluid-circulating tubes have been developed following incidents of heat stroke.
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HEALTH & SAFETY

Boosting safety for outdoor workers

The Ministry of Labour, in collaboration with the Workers' Support and Insurance Fund, hosted an awareness event aimed at improving occupational health standards for outdoor workers in Qatar, particularly in the security and agricultural sectors. The event highlighted significant risks such as heat stress and chemical exposure, providing essential guidance on preventive measures. Officials stressed the need for strict adherence to health and safety regulations to protect workers' physical and mental wellbeing. The ministry urged employers to implement effective safety measures, reinforcing its commitment to high standards in all work environments. As temperatures rise, the ministry's ongoing educational campaigns aim to reduce workplace injuries and align Qatar's labour practices with national and international standards.
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FUTURE OF WORK

Microsoft's AI memo sparks urgency

A recent internal memo from Microsoft has emphasised the necessity of artificial intelligence (AI) skills for employees, stating that "if you're not working with AI, you're falling behind." The memo encourages teams to integrate AI tools like GitHub Copilot into their daily workflows to enhance productivity and problem-solving. It highlights the importance of "AI fluency" alongside human capabilities such as creativity, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning. The memo signals a broader shift in expectations for knowledge workers, urging them to consider not just how to use AI, but how to collaborate effectively with it.
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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Certifications boost UAE tech careers

A recent study highlights the transformative impact of IT certifications on career prospects in the UAE's digital workforce. The 2025 Value of IT Certification Candidate Report by Pearson VUE reveals that 82% of certified professionals feel more confident in their career growth, with 63% receiving or expecting promotions post-certification. Furthermore, 84% of certified individuals plan to pursue additional certifications within a year, indicating a trend towards continuous upskilling. Recruitment expert Aws Ismail noted that certifications are increasingly recognised in the UAE job market, particularly in fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. As companies invest in training, the emphasis on certified talent is expected to grow, aligning with the UAE's ambitions in the digital economy.

DIB partners with Ajman University

Ajman University (AU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) to enhance career opportunities for Emirati graduates. Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of AU, and Ms. Rafia Al Abbar, SVP - head of human resources at DIB, formalised the agreement aimed at preparing students for the job market. DIB will provide internships and employment opportunities, alongside immersive learning experiences, including workshops and mentorship from senior executives. The partnership aligns with the UAE's vision of fostering a knowledge-based economy and supports AU's mission to make education accessible while promoting professional growth.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Microsoft appoints new Qatar manager

Microsoft has appointed Ahmad El Dandachi as the new general manager of Microsoft Qatar, succeeding Lana Khalaf, who will now lead the Public Sector for Microsoft Middle East and Africa. El Dandachi brings over 25 years of experience, having previously served as chief commercial officer for Microsoft's Middle East Region, where he spearheaded significant digital transformation initiatives. He aims to enhance Microsoft's relationships within Qatar's public and private sectors, focusing on the nation's digital future and supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030.
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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Honouring excellence in social responsibility

On July 8, Bahrain's Ministry of Social Development held a ceremony in Manama to honour civil society organisations that achieved ISO 26000 certification for social responsibility. Minister Osama bin Saleh Al Alawi highlighted that this certification demonstrates the organisations' commitment to quality and governance standards, aligning with the Ministry's vision to enhance the civil society sector. He stated: "The Al Kooheji Charitable Foundation initiative has helped build the capacities of associations." The event also announced new organisations joining the Al Kooheji grant programme, aimed at promoting institutional excellence and advancing sustainable development goals. Honoured organisations included the Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled and the Bahrain Food Bank, among others.
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AND FINALLY...

Cut to commercial… or courier?

Kuwait's Ministry of Information has initiated an internal investigation following a live broadcast incident on Kuwait Television, where a food delivery worker inadvertently walked across the studio during an interview with astronomer Adel Al Saadoun. Al Saadoun noted: “There's a man passing in front of us… he's a delivery worker,” highlighting the unexpected disruption. The incident has drawn significant criticism for a perceived lack of professionalism, prompting the ministry to suspend the studio manager and refer the technical team for investigation. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to quality standards in state media and is undergoing a comprehensive restructuring of its news departments, including administrative changes and a new visual identity for the news channel.
 
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