THE HOT STORY

Gulf's nursing workforce grows 4.6% annually over decade

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has experienced significant growth in its nursing workforce, with an increase to approximately 413,200 nurses by the end of 2024. This represents an annual growth rate of 4.6% from 2014 to 2024. Nursing personnel now make up 30.3% of the total healthcare workforce in the region, with 62.4% employed in government facilities. Female nurses dominate the profession, comprising 73.6% of the workforce. The GCC's nurse density stands at 67.5 per 10,000 people, surpassing the global average of 37.7. The growth reflects ongoing investments in healthcare human resources.

Zawya EN

WORKFORCE

Nepal resumes issuing permits for workers headed to Middle East

Nepal has resumed issuing work permits for its citizens to work in the Middle East, following a six-week suspension due to the regional conflict. About 75% of Nepali workers abroad are employed in Middle Eastern countries, primarily as labourers. Remittances from these workers contribute over 25% to Nepal's $42bn economy. Pitambar Ghimire, a spokesperson for Nepal's labour ministry, said that the decision was made after consulting the foreign ministry and responding to high demand from workers. Nepal's youth unemployment rate stands at 20.6%, with around 3m nationals working overseas.

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ECONOMY

UAE tops global entrepreneurship rankings

The UAE has secured the top position in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2025/2026 Report for the fifth consecutive year, showcasing its robust business environment. It excelled in eight key indicators, including infrastructure and government support. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said: “This achievement reflects the directives of our wise leadership.” The UAE also ranked second globally in entrepreneurial finance, highlighting its strong financial ecosystem. With 19.2% early-stage entrepreneurial activity, the UAE continues to attract talent and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Gulfnews.com

SMEs in Oman get financial boost

The Inma Fund allocated RO 25m in 2025 to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Oman that have faced financial challenges. The Development Bank and commercial banks continue to provide crucial financing, helping SMEs regain stability. By September 2025, the Development Bank's financing portfolio for SMEs exceeded RO 100m, with expectations to disburse RO 110m–130m in early 2026. The Central Bank aims to increase SME financing from 3.7% to 5% of total bank loans. This funding aligns with Oman Vision 2040, promoting economic diversification and job creation, particularly in non-oil sectors.

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STRATEGY

AI spending drives workforce cuts

Meta and Microsoft are preparing large staff reductions while increasing spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure and talent. Meta will cut 10% of its workforce, about 8,000 roles, as it targets efficiency alongside capital expenditure of up to $135bn. Janelle Gale, Meta’s chief people officer, said the move would help “offset the other investments we’re making.” Microsoft will offer voluntary redundancy to about 8,750 eligible US staff, while also changing employee stock reward rules.

Gulf Times

The Times

Partnership to develop data centres in Dubai Silicon Oasis

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has partnered with VOLT UAE to develop an AI-ready data centre in Dubai Silicon Oasis. The facility will feature high-performance infrastructure designed for resilience and security, supporting advanced computing and AI applications. Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, executive chair of DIEZ, said: "This strategic partnership comes at a pivotal time amid rapid global shifts." The project will span 60,000 square metres, with an initial capacity of 29 MW, followed by an additional 100 MW. The collaboration aims to enhance Dubai's digital ecosystem and attract investments in future-focused sectors.

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Trade Arabia

INTERNATIONAL

Strike looms at Inpex's LNG plant in Australia

Workers at Japanese energy company Inpex's Ichthys liquefied natural gas facility in Australia have ‌voted against a new employment agreement, in a move that increases the risk of a strike that could exacerbate already tight energy supplies globally. "A majority of eligible employees have cast their vote and the proposed agreement has ⁠not been endorsed," an Inpex spokesperson said. The Offshore Alliance, a grouping of the Maritime Union of Australia and the Australian Workers Union, have previously said that the new contract does not meet benchmark industry standards for wages and conditions.

Reuters

China reinforces its ‘legal shield' against foreign pressure

China has introduced new regulations to combat the extraterritorial application of foreign laws, effective from April 13. The Regulations on Countering Unjustified Extraterritorial Application of Foreign Legislation aim to block foreign measures deemed improper by Beijing. Analysts see the move as a shift from diplomatic protests to “legal warfare.” The European Chamber of Commerce in China has voiced concern that the “broad scope, vague language and wide discretion” of the rules go far beyond similar statutes in the West. The move added to uncertainty around global supply chains amid the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the chamber said.

South China Morning Post

Bonuses spark fairness debate at chip makers

Semiconductor manufacturer Samsung Electronics is facing growing discontent among employees over its bonus distribution system. “Does a uniform compensation system really reflect effort or expertise?” wrote one employee in a recent post on Blind, a forum for workers to post anonymously. “You have people with PhDs who've spent their entire lives studying who are earning a fraction of what production workers make in bonuses during a boom cycle.” Korean Joongang Daily says the widely-shared post is indicative of a growing unease that windfall bonuses at chip makers such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are less a reward for individual contribution than a reflection of who happened to be in the right division at the right moment.

Korea Joongang Daily

University of Indonesia suspends 16 law students for vulgar chat

The University of Indonesia has suspended 16 law students for two weeks following a viral group chat containing vulgar sexual jokes about female peers and lecturers. The chat sparked outrage and discussions about gender violence in the country. University spokesman Erwin Agustian Panigoro said: "This step was taken as part of the university's commitment to maintaining a conducive academic environment." An investigation is currently underway.

South China Morning Post

OTHER

New Balance targets $10bn revenue with Middle East expansion

New Balance is ramping up investment in the Middle East as it aims to surpass $10bn in annual revenue. The region delivered 35% growth in 2025, driven by strong demand for premium, lifestyle-focused products. The brand is expanding its store network and premium retail concepts while also investing in community initiatives and local partnerships. New Balance is prioritising quality and selective distribution over volume, positioning the Middle East as a key driver of its next phase of global growth.

Arabian Business

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