THE HOT STORY

UAE's Gen Z quits first jobs fast

Gen Z employees across the UAE are leaving their first jobs after an average of 1.1 years, driven by ambition and the desire for growth. A Randstad survey of 11,250 workers in 15 countries highlights the trend, with young professionals increasingly prioritising meaningful work and skills over long-term tenure. Speaking to Khaleej Times, 24-year-old Yousef Haddad said work-life balance is also a consideration, explaining: “If a job expects me to be online all the time, it quickly becomes exhausting. Company culture also plays a big role - if the environment feels toxic or people aren't supportive, it's hard to stay motivated. I'd stay longer somewhere that challenges me, appreciates my contributions, and where I feel part of a team that genuinely cares about each other and the work we do.”

Khaleej Times Online

LEADERSHIP

NBB appoints new HR chief

The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has appointed Hend Mohamed Mahmood as the group chief human resources officer, effective December 14. With over 30 years of experience in human capital and organisational transformation, Hend has a proven track record in HR leadership. Previously, she served as chief people officer at Bahrain Development Bank and led HR transformation at Bahrain Airport Company. Hend holds an MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology from the University of Nottingham and a BSc in Business Administration from the University of Bahrain. NBB says it aims to enhance its people-first culture through her leadership.

Trade Arabia

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

7X and University of Dubai partner to promote employment opportunities

UAE trade, transport, and logistics group 7X has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Dubai to strengthen collaboration in employment, academic training, and skills development for students and graduates, with the aim of empowering young talent and preparing them for the job market. The collaboration comes as part of both parties' commitment to supporting the Year of Community 2025 objectives by investing in human capital, promoting talent, and actively engaging the private sector in youth empowerment, in line with the UAE's vision for a sustainable knowledge-based economy founded on national competencies.

Zawya EN

CYBERSECURITY

Abu Dhabi Police educates workers about cyber fraud

Abu Dhabi Police have conducted a workshop at Al Raha Workers' Village to educate workers about cyber fraud prevention. The event, part of the “Stay Alert” campaign, highlighted common fraud methods such as fake job offers, real estate scams, and cryptocurrency schemes. Brigadier Tareish Mohammed Al Kaabi said: "Workers represent one of the most targeted groups by such schemes."

Gulfnews.com

Apple and Google issue global spyware alerts to users

Apple and Google have alerted users across at least 80 countries about potential spyware threats, following a recent notification on December 2 regarding surveillance targeting. Both companies have cited the use of Intellexa spyware linked to several hundred accounts in countries including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The notifications aim to impose costs on cyber spies by alerting victims, and may lead to further investigations into spyware abuses.

Reuters

TAX

OECD to tackle global mobility and remote-work tax challenges

The OECD is preparing to make global mobility and remote-work taxation its next major policy focus, according to Manal Corwin, director of the Center for Tax Policy and Administration. Speaking virtually at the Foundation for International Tax conference in Mumbai, she said tax systems must adapt to shifting geopolitical and economic realities as cross-border remote work becomes more common. The OECD has begun a diagnostic and scoping process to gather input from governments, businesses and advisers, and will launch a public consultation in January. The initiative aims to clarify how countries should address emerging tax, compliance and residence issues linked to mobile workforces.

Bloomberg Tax

INTERNATIONAL

Louvre Museum workers confirm strike action

Workers at the Louvre Museum in Paris have voted to strike, citing deteriorating working conditions, a controversial ticket price increase for non-European visitors, and significant security vulnerabilities. In a letter addressed to France's culture minister, Rachida Dati, the CGT, CFDT and Sud labour unions described the museum as being in "crisis" and plagued by insufficient resources. Industrial action will commence next Monday.

France 24

Banks and fintechs at odds over Milei's labour reforms

Argentine President Javier Milei's planned labour reforms could allow salaried workers to choose whether to have their paychecks deposited to a virtual wallet or a bank. Banks argue that fintechs would be riskier destinations for paychecks and pensions; fintechs say banks are trying to defend a "captive business." Bloomberg says the dispute is indicative of broader tensions across Latin America as rapidly expanding fintechs seek to encroach on services long dominated by traditional lenders.

Bloomberg

Thyssenkrupp restructuring deal will cost several hundred million euros

Marie Jaroni, Thyssenkrupp's steel division chief, has told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper that a restructuring deal that will cut or outsource about 11,000 jobs will cost the company several hundred million euros. "The restructuring is costing us a mid-three-figure million euro sum. The exact amount depends on how many employees accept which offer," Jaroni told FAZ. She said the deal will pay off because the company will have permanently lower personnel costs - "a low three-digit million amount less annually than today."

Reuters

Western Australia to bring in new laws to protect retail workers

Western Australia plans to introduce retail barring orders to protect workers from violence and threatening behaviour. Premier Roger Cook said: "No-one deserves to come to work and to be assaulted, abused, mistreated." The proposed legislation aims to allow employers and unions to apply for bans against offenders, even without a criminal prosecution. Recent data from the Australian Retailers Association shows serious incidents in WA have risen by 36% since July last year, with threatening behaviour increasing by 48%. Violating a barring order could lead to a maximum five years' imprisonment.

West Australian

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