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Middle East Edition
11th November 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

Israel's youth labour force participation rate declines

An Israeli Employment Service report reveals a troubling decline in labour force participation among young Israelis aged 20-29, particularly men and those in the Arab sector. Despite a low unemployment rate of 5.2% for the 15-24 age group, many young adults are neither working nor seeking jobs. Attorney Einbal Mashash, chief executive of the Employment Service, observed: "The decline in young people's employment rates occurs alongside a welcome rise in the participation of groups that were recently on the fringes of the labour market."
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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Ajman embraces flexible work hours

Ajman has approved new principles for its Human Resources Law, enhancing employee flexibility. The law introduces flexible working hours and remote work options to improve well-being and family support. It expands family-friendly leave, including parental, maternity, paternity, marriage, and bereavement leave, along with caregiving leave for people of determination. Employees with five or more children or those who are pregnant will receive additional flexibility. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, is spearheading the initiative to foster a balanced and inclusive work environment.
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LEGAL

Qatar sets outstanding benchmark in labour reforms, ILO says

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has praised Qatar for its rapid and extensive labour reforms, describing them as a model for the region. Francesco d'Ovidio, ILO Country Director for Qatar, highlighted significant changes since 2018, including the abolishment of the kafala system and new job mobility laws. He noted that these reforms align with Qatari cultural values while promoting workers' rights. D'Ovidio emphasised the importance of political will and collaboration for sustained progress, saying: "Qatar has shown that labour reforms can be both ambitious and achievable." The ILO says it aims to support ongoing reforms and enhance worker participation.

Scammers use fake video calls to target UAE domestic workers

Scammers in the UAE are using fake video calls to target domestic workers, impersonating government officials to extract personal information and money. Many victims, fearing deportation, comply with the demands after being shown forged IDs and official logos. Mona Ahmed, a recruitment office employee, noted that some workers provide passport photos or transfer money under duress. Cybersecurity experts warn that these fraudsters exploit fear and urgency to manipulate victims. Fujairah Police have advised residents to verify caller identities and report suspicious activities through official channels. Legal consequences for offenders include imprisonment and fines.
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WORKFORCE

Saudi Arabia champions social development

Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi led Saudi Arabia's delegation at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha from November 4-6. The summit gathered global ministers and officials to tackle poverty, promote employment, and enhance social inclusion. Al-Rajhi emphasised the importance of international cooperation to address global challenges and called for innovative development models that ensure justice and sustainability. He said: "We must work together to close persistent development gaps and support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."
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INTERNATIONAL

UK bosses expect AI to reduce workforce

One in six UK employers anticipates workforce reductions due to AI over the next year, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The CIPD's latest labour market outlook survey, involving over 2,000 employers, shows that 62% expect clerical, junior managerial, professional or administrative roles to be most affected. Large private sector firms are particularly concerned, with 26% expecting headcount reductions compared with 17% in the private sector overall and 20% in the public sector. Of the firms that expect to cut roles because of AI, a quarter said they were preparing to lose more than one in 10 staff. James Cockett, a senior labour market economist at the CIPD, said: "AI has great potential for improving productivity . . . but it also risks leaving many people behind."

Trump administration sued over political 'loyalty' hiring plan

Unions representing federal workers have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging the inclusion of a "loyalty question" in over 1,700 job postings since October. The American Federation of Government Employees, along with other unions, argues that this question, which asks applicants how they would support the President's Executive Orders, violates free-speech rights and undermines the nonpartisan nature of federal employment. "This isn't just illegal, it also harms our members and all Americans by depriving them of opportunities to serve their country," said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. The lawsuit claims that the question's inclusion is arbitrary and breaches the Privacy Act.

Westpac won’t appeal pivotal work-from-home ruling

A spokesperson for Australian bank Westpac has said the lender will not appeal a labour tribunal ruling after it lost a case to compel one of its workers to be in the office twice a week. Last month, The Fair Work Commission found in favour of Karlene Chandler, who challenged Westpac after the bank said she needed to work from a corporate office two days a week. Until earlier this year, she had been allowed to work remotely. Legal experts say the Fair Work decision is a "wake-up call" for bosses campaigning for a return to the office.

RTÉ invests in staff feedback

Irish state broadcaster RTÉ plans to spend €250,000 on annual surveys to gather staff feedback on culture reform and organisational changes. The move follows a previous engagement survey conducted last May, which involved over 1,300 employees. A spokesman said: "The findings have been helpful in giving RTÉ a clear understanding of what is working well and where we need to make improvements." The broadcaster aims to enhance workplace culture, which is seen as vital for employee experience and organisational performance. The contract for the surveys is expected to be awarded in January and will last for three years, with two optional extensions.
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OTHER

End of The Line: how Saudi Arabia’s Neom dream unravelled

Based on interviews with people who worked on The Line, Mohammed bin Salman’s utopian city, the Financial Times details how the project "was undone by the laws of physics and finance."
 
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