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Middle East Edition
20th October 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Houthi rebels detain U.N. staff in Yemen

On Sunday, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels detained two dozen United Nations employees in Sanaa, Yemen, following a raid on a UN facility. Jean Alam, a UN spokesperson, confirmed that the detained staff included five Yemenis and 15 international workers. The Houthis released 11 others after questioning. The rebels confiscated all communications equipment from the facility. The U.N. is in contact with the Houthis to resolve the situation and restore control over its facilities. The Houthis have previously accused UN staff of espionage, claims the UN has denied.
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HIRING

Saudi Arabia cracks down on recruiters

Saudi Arabia has suspended 10 recruitment offices due to multiple violations of recruitment and labour laws. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development conducted inspections during the third quarter of 2025, leading to legal actions against 37 offices. Violations included delays in returning client funds and inadequate handling of beneficiary complaints. The ministry urged individuals seeking recruitment services to use Musaned, the official platform for regulated recruitment services, which allows users to communicate with approved providers.

Meethaq expands into Saudi

Meethaq Manpower, an Emirati-owned staffing and outsourcing company, has launched a new branch in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in its growth. Under the leadership of chief executive Maryam Buti AlMheiri, the company aims to provide innovative staffing solutions while upholding Emirati values. The expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, presenting opportunities in manpower and outsourcing.
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WORKFORCE

Prepare for the jobs crisis ahead

The World Bank President Ajay Banga has warned of an impending jobs crisis, with 1.2bn young people entering the workforce in the next decade, competing for only 400m jobs. He emphasised the need for education reform to ensure job readiness, as many employers struggle to find suitable candidates. Tiara Pathon from Microsoft highlighted the slow adaptation of education systems to industry demands, advocating for faster curriculum cycles and practical training. Without significant changes, the risk of frustration and social unrest among educated youth will increase, Banga noted.

Dubai restricts delivery riders' lanes

Starting November, delivery riders in Dubai will be prohibited from using fast lanes, a decision made following specialised traffic studies. This regulation is part of the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) governance framework for commercial transport, aiming to enhance road safety and traffic management. The new rule reflects a broader initiative to regulate the growing delivery sector, ensuring the safety of both riders and other road users. Businesses employing delivery riders will need to adjust their logistics strategies to comply with these changes.

New vision for GCC construction workforce

The construction sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is facing multifaceted challenges that extend beyond the mere recruitment and availability of labor. These issues encompass a broader spectrum, including workforce management, skill development, and the integration of new technologies. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive strategy that not only focuses on immediate labor needs but also considers long-term workforce sustainability and efficiency. This new vision aims to transform the construction workforce by enhancing skill sets and adopting innovative practices to meet future demands.

Gen Z quits banking for start-ups

Generation Z is increasingly leaving banking jobs for entrepreneurial opportunities and flexible work, according to a KPMG survey. Nearly 50% of financial services executives reported a rise in Gen Z departures over the past year, with 54% in banking. The main reasons include a preference for start-ups (42%), self-employment (35%), and the desire for flexibility or remote work (34%). Cost of living concerns also influenced their decisions.
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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

MoHESR and SPEA streamline enrolment

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE has partnered with the Sharjah Private Education Authority to enhance the transition from school to higher education. This collaboration aims to streamline university enrolment and improve academic advising through a Unified Registration System for students in Grades 11 and 12. The initiative focuses on creating diverse pathways for students, aligning with national priorities to foster a sustainable economy. The partnership reflects a strategic effort to build an integrated education system, enhancing educational outcomes and supporting students' future success.

QNB and QACPA join forces

QNB Group has signed an MoU with the Qatar Association of Certified Public Accountants (QACPA) to enhance the professional skills of its employees in Qatar and internationally. Abdullah Nasser Al Khalifa, senior executive vice president at QNB, and Dr. Hashim Al-Sayed, chair of QACPA, signed the agreement. It aims to promote cooperation in areas such as accounting and compliance, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030. The MoU includes training programs and joint initiatives to foster innovation and knowledge-sharing in the banking sector.
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TECHNOLOGY

Dubai Municipality partners with Microsoft

Dubai Municipality has entered into a collaboration with Microsoft to enhance citizen services and bolster cybersecurity through the use of Microsoft's cloud and AI technologies. The initiative aims to modernise operations and accelerate digital transformation, reinforcing Dubai's status as a leader in smart city governance. The agreement, valid until October 2026, includes training and capacity building for municipal employees, equipping them with skills to utilise advanced technologies. This partnership also focuses on improving service delivery and safeguarding municipal infrastructure from cyber threats.

EHA and AHF explore AI collaboration

The Egypt Healthcare Authority (EHA) and the Arab Hospitals Federation (AHF) are exploring collaborative opportunities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human capital development, and sustainable healthcare management. Ahmed El-Sobky, Chairperson of EHA, and Fadi Allam, President of AHF, led discussions aimed at enhancing healthcare systems through technological advancements and sustainable practices. This partnership reflects a commitment to integrating AI and other technologies to improve healthcare delivery and management across the region, highlighting the importance of innovation in addressing contemporary healthcare challenges.
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INVESTMENT

Egypt and MIGA discuss investment guarantees

Egypt's Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Rania Al-Mashat, recently met with Hiroshi Matano, Executive Vice President of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), during the World Bank Group's Annual Meetings in Washington. The discussions focused on enhancing investment guarantees to attract more private financing into Egypt. This initiative aims to bolster economic development by providing a more secure environment for investors, thereby encouraging increased private sector participation in the country's economic landscape.
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WORKPLACE

Could rejection therapy alter workplace risk taking?

Rejection therapy, a social media trend, is now influencing workplace behaviour. Professionals like Colleen McFarland say it builds confidence, while critics caution it lacks structure. Originator Jia Jiang has even trained teams at major firms.
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INTERNATIONAL

Labour unions sue over social media searches

Labour unions have filed a lawsuit against the US government, claiming that the Trump administration violated the First Amendment rights of individuals legally residing in the US by monitoring their social media for specific viewpoints, particularly criticism of Israel. The complaint, brought by the United Auto Workers, Communications Workers of America, and the American Federation of Teachers, argues that the government uses artificial intelligence to target visa holders with dissenting opinions. The unions assert that this practice has created a chilling effect on free speech, with many members fearing immigration repercussions for expressing their views. "The government has promised and proven that saying the wrong thing can trigger life-altering immigration consequences," the complaint states.
 
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