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Middle East Edition
18th September 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

UAE employees will need reskilling as AI enters workplace

Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into the UAE workspace, and it is becoming imperative for employees to upgrade their skills, according to ministers. “Globally, 44% of workers will see their skills disrupted by 2027, and six to 10 employees will need reskilling,” said Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development & the Future during the SHRM Mena Annual Conference & Expo 2025 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Achal Khanna, CEO of SHRM APAC & MENA, told Khaleej Times: “Employers are increasingly focusing on skills that go beyond traditional qualifications. A combination of technical and soft skills, including digital literacy, adaptability, and leadership, along with cultural competence and multilingual abilities, is critical for a diverse workforce.”
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HR TECHNOLOGY

Unlock HR’s Competitive Edge

HR leaders know the stakes are high. Siloed systems create errors, slow processes, and drain productivity. Yet 93% of employers now agree that integrating HR and benefits data is critical to future success. According to Unum’s Employer Pulse Survey, HR technology and benefits data integration top the priority list in 2025.

This report shows how integration transforms HR from an administrative function into a strategic driver of performance. It reveals why technology sits at the heart of HR priorities, how broad benefit challenges are shaping satisfaction, and why combining automation with human connection creates lasting impact.

Organisations that embed benefits data integration into their HR technology stack gain faster processes, cleaner data, and sharper insights - delivering measurable competitive advantage.

Download the report to stay ahead.

 
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TECHNOLOGY

Why ‘human agency’ is the new AI buzzword

Stanford University’s human agency research measures the level of automation that workers want from AI, versus the human agency they want to preserve. It's "fascinating," writes the Financial Times' Isabel Berwick.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Celebrating mental health awareness at the mentl awards

The mentl awards 2025 will honour organisations promoting mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Scheduled for Nov. 21 at the Address Montgomerie in Dubai, the awards feature over 40 categories across various sectors. Submissions are open to GCC organisations until Sept. 30. Dr. Justin Thomas, a chartered psychologist, emphasised the significance of such awards, saying: “The existence of an award ceremony honouring those who promote psychological wellbeing and mental health signals the importance we now place on such initiatives across the region.”
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LEGAL

New ethical code for Qatar school staff

Qatar's Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) has introduced the Ethical Code for Public School Employees for the 2025-26 academic year. The code aims to foster a culture of professional and ethical behaviour among school staff, promoting values such as responsibility and transparency. The charter, rooted in Islamic principles and aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, outlines the duties of educators and establishes a framework for ethical conduct. It includes 19 articles covering various aspects of teacher-student relationships and emphasises the importance of creating a safe and respectful educational environment. "Adherence to the Code of Ethics fosters loyalty and belonging," the ministry said.
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CORPORATE

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder quits over Unilever ‘silencing’ of social mission

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield has quit the ice cream brand he launched almost half a century ago, saying the Vermont-based company has lost its independence since Unilever put a stop to its social activism. Ben Cohen, who started the company with Mr Greenfield, shared a statement from him that said quitting was “one of the hardest and most painful decisions” he’d ever made. “Standing up for the values of justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important, and yet Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power," he said in the statement. “And it’s happening at a time when our country’s current administration is attacking civil rights, voting rights of immigrants, women, and the LGBTQ community." A spokesperson for The Magnum Ice Cream Company, the Unilever subsidiary which controls Ben & Jerry's, said on Wednesday that it disagreed “with Jerry’s perspective and (has) sought to engage both co-founders in constructive conversation.”

Elliott Management buys stake worth over $2bn in Workday

Elliott Management has acquired a stake exceeding $2bn in Workday, expressing support for the company's leadership and its strategic direction. The activist investor praised Workday's chief executive and finance chief for their effective management, saying that it is confident in the multi-year plan presented at the company's Financial Analyst Day to enhance shareholder value. In conjunction with the investment, Workday announced the $1.1bn acquisition of AI firm Sana, marking its third AI-related deal in a short period as it seeks to strengthen its position in the competitive HR software market.
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INTERNATIONAL

US workers learn the limits of free speech

In the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk's fatal shooting, numerous workers in the US have been terminated for their comments regarding his death. Vanessa Matsis-McCready, associate general counsel at Engage PEO, observed: “Most people think they have a right to free speech . . . but that doesn't necessarily apply in the workplace.” The legal landscape varies by state, with many employees lacking protections for speech made outside of work. While some states have laws against punishing workers for political views, exceptions exist for conduct deemed disruptive. Amy Dufrane from the Human Resource Certification Institute observes: “HR has got to really drill down and make sure that they're super clear on their policies.” Employers are increasingly reviewing their policies on political speech to maintain workplace safety and brand reputation.

France braces for mass protests today

Teachers, train drivers, pharmacists and hospital staff are among workers expected to strike in France today as part of a day of protests against looming budget cuts. Unions from the various sectors are also calling for increased public service funding, higher taxes on the wealthy, and the reversal of a controversial pension reform. Leaders of the Socialist Party met with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu yesterday to negotiate budget concessions. These discussions could influence the final phase of President Emmanuel Macron's second term. One union leader said: "We need a fairer approach to public spending."

Super Retail Group CEO sacked over disclosure failure

Australia's Super Retail Group has terminated chief executive Anthony Heraghty after he failed to disclose a romantic relationship with former HR chief Jane Kelly. The board said that new information revealed Heraghty's previous disclosures were inadequate. Legal action is ongoing, with former legal officers alleging bullying after raising whistleblower complaints about the relationship. The board has also revoked Mr Heraghty's financial incentives. Chief financial officer David Burns will serve as interim CEO while the search for a permanent replacement begins.

Korean worker recounts details of human rights violations during US detention

A South Korean worker has shared harrowing details of their detention in a US immigration raid. The worker, who remained anonymous, described being laughed at by US officials during interrogation. The worker was arrested alongside more than 300 others at a site operated by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution. The worker recorded their experience, noting a lack of information about rights and poor conditions in detention. "I was angry that they seemed to be making fun of me, but kept my temper because I was worried about what could happen to my documents," the worker wrote in a log. After a week, the workers were finally returned to South Korea on a chartered flight.
 
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