Human Times

Middle East Edition

1st December 2025

THE HOT STORY

Dubai leads the way in AI

Dubai's early adoption of artificial intelligence has helped the emirate move ahead of global competitors, a senior official has said. Speaking at Care for Sustainability MENA in Dubai, Marwan Al Zarouni, chief executive of AI at Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said Dubai is “lead[ing] by example.” He observed that every government entity now has a designated AI officer to lead digital transformation internally, a model which will speed the integration of the technology across essential public services and regulatory systems. “We created a unified vision for executing AI in government. Having an AI officer in every department is extremely important to us,” he said, adding “It ensures ownership, alignment and the ability to move quickly.”

Khaleej Times Online

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Inaugural Arab Women Researchers Forum opens in Al Buraimi

The inaugural Forum for Arab Women Researchers has begun in Al Buraimi, focusing on empowering women in research. Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, said: "Oman's hosting of this forum embodies a steadfast Arab commitment to supporting women researchers." The event aims to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange among Arab women in various scientific fields. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO), noted the necessity of women's participation in sustainable development. The forum features sessions on sustainability, artificial intelligence, and health research, concluding with recommendations for future initiatives.

TimesofOman

Oman Observer

Iran marks national week of persons with disabilities

Iran's national week of persons with disabilities runs from November 29 to December 5, focusing on "Social Inclusion; Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities". Seyed Jafar Hosseini, head of the Welfare Organization, announced an 81% budget increase for disability support this year, rising from 132tn rials to 238tn rials. Currently, more than 1.6m persons with disabilities are benefiting from the Welfare Organization's services. The organisation will inaugurate some 452 centres during the week that will provide employment for thousands of persons with disabilities, including 35 solar panel projects that will provide job opportunities for 21,000.

Tehran Times

STRATEGY

imec to launch R&D hub in Qatar

imec, a leader in nano-electronics, has announced plans to establish a regional research and development (R&D) hub in Qatar by early 2026. Supported by Invest Qatar and the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), the hub will focus on digital transformation and semiconductor innovation. Located in Qatar Science and Technology Park, it aims to create essential design tools for emerging technologies and nurture local talent through various development programmes. Luc Van den hove, imec's chief executive, said: "We aim to contribute to the region's growing momentum in semiconductor innovation."

Gulf Times

LEADERSHIP

UAE's CEOs lead global confidence wave

The 2025 KPMG CEO Outlook reveals that 80% of UAE CEOs are confident about their company's growth over the next three years, surpassing global averages. This optimism stems from strong economic fundamentals, significant investments in artificial intelligence, and a commitment to sustainability. Dr. Abdullah Al Fozan, CEO of KPMG Middle East, noted: "CEOs in the UAE continue to express among the highest levels of business confidence worldwide." Additionally, 84% of CEOs plan to increase headcount, while 44% align climate objectives with business goals, highlighting a strategic focus on technology and sustainability.

Khaleej Times Online

TAX

Taxation Society UAE hosts Dubai conference

The Taxation Society UAE and the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai have hosted a conference titled "Preserving wealth in a borderless world" at India Club, Dubai. The event focused on asset protection, tax strategy, and intergenerational legacy planning. Bhawna Chopra, secretary of the Taxation Society UAE, emphasised the society's commitment to knowledge sharing. Naveen Sharma, chairman of the society, discussed wealth preservation's importance. Dr Sahitya Chaturvedi, IBPC Dubai secretary-general, highlighted the need for holistic financial governance. The conference featured expert speakers and a panel discussion on asset protection and cross-border taxation.

Khaleej Times Online

RISK

Bird flu virus 'could risk pandemic worse than COVID'

The bird flu virus that has been spreading among wild birds, poultry and mammals could lead to a pandemic worse than Covid-19 if it mutates to transmit between humans, the head of France's Institut Pasteur respiratory infections centre has said. "What we fear is the virus adapting to mammals, and particularly to humans, becoming capable of human-to-human transmission, and that virus would be a pandemic virus," Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti told Reuters.

Reuters

INTERNATIONAL

Ministers consider curbing the use of non-compete clauses in UK contracts

The Department for Business and Trade has outlined proposals that could ban non-compete clauses outright, introduce a minimum salary threshold, or place limits on the length of time for which they can apply. In a working paper, published alongside last week’s budget, the government said such clauses "play a part in restricting employee movement, limiting knowledge spillovers and can undermine incentives for innovation." Sinead Casey, partner and head of UK employment at Linklaters, observed: “If changes are to be implemented following the consultation, then a key challenge for the government will be how such change is enforced, bearing in mind the undoubted chilling effect on litigation of non-compete clauses posed by the potential legal cost and risk for individual employees.”

Amazon to begin Luxembourg redundancy talks with staff

Amazon Luxembourg is to begin formal consultations on planned job cuts today, following discussions with governmental authorities. A company spokesperson said: "These discussions reinforce our commitment to constructive dialogue that prioritises our employees." The company aims to reduce its global workforce by 14,000, with speculation suggesting up to 470 positions in Luxembourg may be affected. As of July, Amazon employed 4,370 people in the Grand Duchy. Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden has met with Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy, who assured that Luxembourg remains a strategic partner in Europe.

Luxembourg Times

Theborn Korea referred to prosecutors over alleged worker 'blacklist'

Food and beverage company Theborn Korea has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly blocking workers from finding new jobs. The Ministry of Employment and Labor's Seoul Gangnam District Office recommended indictment after discovering a message on an online forum that violated the Labour Standards Act. Theborn Korea claimed the bulletin board was inactive and created at franchise owners' requests. However, the ministry found it constituted an illegal attempt to hinder employment. The company has also faced other violations, including unpaid allowances, which have since been resolved.

Korea Joongang Daily

Swiss voters reject new tax on super-rich

Swiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to impose a 50% levy on inherited fortunes exceeding 50m Swiss francs. The initiative, which was backed by the youth wing of the Social Democrats, sought to fund climate change projects. "The super rich inherit billions, we inherit crises," they argued. Critics had warned the tax could drive wealthy individuals out of Switzerland, diminishing tax revenues.

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