THE HOT STORY

Temperature increase is accelerating in Arab Region

The Arab region had its hottest year on record in 2024, and the rate of warming has accelerated in recent decades, accompanied by more intense heatwaves and droughts as well as extreme rainfall and storms, according to the inaugural World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report on the State of the Climate in the Arab Region. “2024 was the hottest year on record for the Arab region – a continuation of a long-term trend. Temperatures are rising at twice the global average, with intense heatwaves that are pushing society to the limits. Human health, ecosystems and economies can’t cope with extended spells of more than 50 °Celsius – it is simply too hot to handle,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

World Meteorological Organization

Financial Times

LEGAL

UAE cracks down on fake employment

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has identified 1,300 firms in the UAE for engaging in fake employment practices. These establishments, owned by approximately 1,800 employers, were found to have no genuine employment relationships despite having registered workers. The MOHRE imposed over AED 34m in fines and suspended work permits for these firms. The Ministry urged employers to regularise their workers' status to avoid legal consequences. "Failure to practise the licensed activity while having registered workers constitutes a serious violation," the Ministry said.

Gulfnews.com

REGULATION

Oman announces licensing rules for energy and mining jobs

Oman's Ministry of Labour has announced new licensing requirements for professions in the energy and mining sectors. Starting January 2025, workers must apply for a licence through the Omani Association for Energy and Mining Skills to obtain or renew work permits. A correction period until 1 June 2026 allows establishments and workers to comply. After this date, permits will not be issued without a valid licence. The Ministry urged compliance to ensure smooth operations and adherence to labour market regulations.

Oman Observer

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Deal signed to boost Saudi film talent

The Riyadh University of Arts has signed an agreement with the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts to enhance cultural and artistic talent development. The signing occurred during the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah. Noha Kattan, Deputy Minister for National Partnerships and Talent Development, represented Riyadh University, while Alan Baker, associate dean at USC, signed for the school. The partnership aims to develop new curricula and training programmes, fostering cultural exchange and education in the arts. The university is set to launch in 2026, offering a comprehensive academic portfolio.

Arab News

WORKPLACE

Dubai volunteers and partners honoured on International Volunteer Day

On 5 December, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) celebrated International Volunteer Day by recognising community partners and employee volunteers for their humanitarian contributions. The event showcased the UAE's dedication to fostering a culture of giving. Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority, praised the positive impact of volunteering on community cohesion and individual well-being. Lt. General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri observed: "Volunteering is not secondary - it is a way of life that strengthens work quality and team spirit." GDRFA Dubai reaffirmed its commitment to expanding community initiatives.

Gulfnews.com

TAX

UAE introduces changes to tax rules starting January 2026

The UAE's Ministry of Finance will implement amendments to tax laws starting 1 January 2026. Federal Decree-Law No. (17) of 2025 aims to streamline tax procedures, enhance transparency, and protect taxpayer rights. Key changes include a five-year period for refund requests and expanded provisions for audits. The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) can now issue binding directions to unify tax legislation interpretation. The Ministry said: "The changes aim to improve the efficiency of the tax system."

Gulfnews.com

INTERNATIONAL

More Japanese are opposed to actively accepting foreign workers

A recent survey by The Yomiuri Shimbun and Waseda University's Institute for Advanced Social Sciences found that 60% of Japanese respondents opposed the active acceptance of foreign workers, a rise from 46% in 2024. Concerns about public safety and cultural differences were prevalent, with 68% fearing safety deterioration. Interestingly, older respondents were more supportive of foreign workers, with 61% acknowledging their role in alleviating labour shortages. Additionally, 70% prioritised national interests over international cooperation, reflecting a growing trend of nationalism, particularly among younger voters.

Straits Times

Starbucks Workers United rallies outside Empire State Building

Starbucks is facing continued strike action as Workers United’s open-ended walkout enters a third week, with no progress in contract talks and 55 locations still closed. The union is demanding better pay, hours, and resolution of hundreds of alleged labour violations. A New York City rally outside the Empire State Building on Thursday led to 12 arrests. Demonstrators were joined by members of other unions, including the AFL-CIO and SEIU. “Their fight is a fight really for all of us, to workers across the country, to corporations like Starbucks, across the country that workers are fed up with the status quo, and they’re not going to take it anymore,” commented SEIU president April Verrett. Starbucks says 99% of stores remain open, and that it is investing $500m in workforce improvements.

CNBC

Young UK workers shift towards skilled trades

Reuters reports on how "hands-on" jobs such as construction and plumbing are gaining appeal among young British workers at a time when white-collar roles are viewed as more vulnerable to disruption by AI and automation than manual labour. In Britain, one in six employers expects the use of AI tools to allow them to reduce their headcount in the next 12 months, according to a recent survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. "There's a lot of anxiety among young people right now that their jobs are [being] automated away," observes Bouke Klein Teeselink, a lecturer and AI researcher at King's College, London.

Reuters

The economic miracle of China’s midday naps

The midday nap, or wuxiu, is growing in popularity in China. Workers need at least an hour’s snooze at midday because, very likely, they will work (an illegal) three shifts.

Financial Times

OTHER

Global billionaire population hits record 2,900 in 2025

The number of billionaires worldwide has risen to 2,900, collectively controlling $15.8tn in wealth, according to a new report from UBS. This marks an increase from 2,700 billionaires with $14tn in 2024, driven by tech sector valuations, rising share prices, and investment gains. UBS recorded 287 new billionaires, the second-highest annual increase since tracking began in 2015, split between entrepreneurs and heirs, including Colossal Biosciences founder Ben Lamm and 15 members of two German pharmaceutical dynasties. The rise reflects a broader generational transfer of wealth, with inheritance playing a growing role. The US remains the dominant region, though billionaire clients surveyed by UBS reported declining short-term investment appeal in North America (63%, down from 81%), with growing interest in Western Europe and Asia.

Wall Street Journal

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