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Middle East Edition
11th December 2025
 
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THE HOT STORY

UAE launches fully digital Wage Protection System

The UAE has launched an upgraded Wage Protection System (WPS) that integrates real-time salary tracking with banks and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This digital transformation aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in wage payments, covering over 99% of private sector employees. The new system allows employers to manage payments seamlessly and ensures timely salary disbursements for workers. The Ministry said: "This update represents a significant leap in wage management." The WPS aims to protect workers' rights and improve compliance with labour regulations, aligning with UAE Vision 2031 objectives.
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WORKFORCE

Launch of automated payroll system in Oman

Zoho has launched a new payroll management solution in Oman to automate salary processing and ensure compliance with local labour laws. The platform features country-specific tools tailored to Oman's Wage Protection System (WPS) and supports both English and Arabic. The solution simplifies employee onboarding, payroll processing, and social security contributions, while offering multi-level pay run approvals and a self-service portal for employees.
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TECHNOLOGY

PwC AI chief: Fast adopters see triple the revenue per employee

Joe Atkinson, PwC's global head of artificial intelligence, says AI is transforming business so rapidly it's overwhelming organisations, but companies that scale quickly are seeing up to three times more revenue per employee. Speaking on CNBC, Mr. Atkinson noted the experimentation phase is over, and firms must now embed AI broadly. While adoption is straining traditional change management, PwC believes AI-driven growth will ultimately benefit both businesses and workers who embrace the tools.
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ECONOMY

Abu Dhabi family business groups unite for growth

The Abu Dhabi Family Business Council (ADFBC) has partnered with the Family Business Council Gulf (FBCG) to enhance the resilience of family businesses in the region. The agreement, signed by Khaled Al Fahim and Badr Al Ghurair during Abu Dhabi Finance Week, focuses on capability-building, leadership development, and governance initiatives. Al Fahim said: "This agreement marks a pivotal milestone in strengthening the role of family businesses as a strategic pillar of economic development." Family businesses are crucial, contributing 60% of GDP and 80% of private sector employment in the UAE.
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WORKPLACE

MetLife recognised by MoHRE

MetLife Gulf has been awarded the Emirates Labour Market Award by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, ranking first among UAE financial institutions for its outstanding labour practices. Öykü Api, head of human resources for MetLife Gulf, said: “Being recognised in this year's Emirates Labour Market Award reflects our ongoing commitment to elevating the employee experience.” The award aims to promote a competitive labour market by recognising organisations that protect employee rights and enhance productivity. MetLife Gulf's recognition highlights its dedication to supporting national labour goals and improving workplace standards.
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RISK

Insurers warn on AI voice cloning's growing liability risks

Insurers and risk professionals warn that businesses remain underprepared for the legal and operational risks associated with artificial intelligence-powered voice cloning technology. “The main concern is that this is a new, emerging risk,” observed Erlisa King, director of product liability at Tokio Marine HCC. “What we’re finding is that our insureds aren’t necessarily prepared, so they may not have the quality controls in place to mitigate this exposure.”
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INTERNATIONAL

Australia's world first social media ban takes effect

Australia has become the first country to implement a minimum age for social media use. Platforms including Instagram, TikTok and YouTube will have to block more than a million accounts. Other governments around the world - and some US states - say they plan similar steps. "[The ban] could become a proof of concept that gains traction around the world," observed Nate Fast, a professor at the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business. Big Tech is unhappy with the legislation. "Australia is engaged in blanket censorship that will make its youth less informed, less connected, and less equipped to navigate the spaces they will be expected to understand as adults," said Paul Taske from NetChoice, a trade group representing several big tech companies.

Starbucks faces global protests as unions rally behind striking US baristas

Starbucks workers and union supporters in 10 countries, including the UK, Germany, and Australia, staged coordinated protests yesterday in solidarity with 3,000 striking US baristas. The US workers, represented by Starbucks Workers United, are calling for better pay, staffing, and resolution of hundreds of labour disputes. While Starbucks says the strike has had minimal business impact, international demonstrations aim to escalate pressure amid stalled contract talks and ongoing labour tensions.

Internet platforms warned not to shift tax burden onto China's gig workers

China’s State Taxation Administration has told internet platforms to avoid passing tax obligations onto gig workers, as it increases regulation and further seeks to crackdown on tax-dodging internet influencers. “Platforms should not disguise additional fees during tax withholding and remittance processes, nor should they use such processes to shift tax obligations and increase gig workers’ burdens,” officials from the tax authority said. As oversight increases, the administration said gig workers, including food-delivery riders and ride-hailing drivers, would be exempt from tax reporting requirements, which are typically handled by platforms.

UBS may cut another 10,000 jobs by 2027

Swiss lender UBS could cut an additional 10,000 jobs by 2027, according to a report in SonntagsBlick. UBS did not confirm the number, but said it would "keep the number of jobs cuts in Switzerland and globally as low as possible," adding "The role reductions will take place over the course of several years and will be mostly achieved through natural attrition, early retirement, internal mobility and inhousing of external roles."
 
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