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Middle East Edition
23rd April 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
The pursuit of green HR policies in Saudi companies
Writing for the Saudi Gazette, Dr. Nawaf Alhusseini highlights the growing trend for Saudi companies to adopt green initiatives to support environmental protection. With the implementation of the Capital Market Authority 2021 guidelines, there has been a notable increase in sustainability reporting and the formation of ESG committees. However, Alhusseini questions whether more can be done, particularly in updating HR policies to reflect the green agenda. He said: "Engaging the workforce more broadly in the green drive through HR policy updates will better institutionalise it in all facets of the organisation."
WORKFORCE
GPSSA calls on insured Emiratis to merge employment years
The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has clarified that Emiratis must complete a minimum of 15 years of continuous employment and reach the age of 60 to qualify for a retirement pension. For those voluntarily resigning, 20 years of service and the age of 50 are required under Federal Law No. 7 of 1999. Additionally, Federal Law No. 57 of 2023 mandates 30 years of service and the age of 55 for pension eligibility. The GPSSA encourages insured individuals to merge previous employment years to avoid starting their pension savings from scratch.
LEGAL
The revealing shift in who reports the gender pay gap
Analysis shows that almost half of those responsible for signing off on official submissions around gender pay gaps are women. HR personnel are now the employees most likely to oversee the function. 
TECHNOLOGY
UAE leads AI talent race
The UAE is one of the top countries in the world attracting artificial intelligence (AI) talent, according to the AI power index compiled by consulting group BCG. According to Dr. Akram Awad, managing director and partner at BCG, UAE's early adoption of AI helped steer it into a powerful position. “If any country has a high potential to really make it to the global level, it has to be the UAE,” he said. “UAE was one of the very first to launch the national AI strategy. Today, the country is the number one with sovereign funds in the AI field.”
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Saudi university prepares for AI hackathon
King Saud University, in collaboration with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, has initiated a three-day training programme for the upcoming Transformation Hackathon. The programme aims to equip participants with vital skills necessary for success in high-performing hackathon teams, focusing on technical abilities and practical experience with AI tools. Participants will "develop innovative, functional prototypes that address key challenges during the hackathon."
STRATEGY
Strengthening labour ties in Cairo
Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, the Qatari Minister of Labour, engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with various labour ministers during the Arab Labour Conference in Cairo. He met with notable figures including Mohamed Gobran from Egypt and Dr. Mohammad Bahjat Haidar from Lebanon. The discussions aimed at "enhancing joint cooperation in the labour sector" and finding ways to strengthen these international relations. Other participants included Dr. Enas Hosni Dahadha Al Attari from Palestine and Younes Sekkouri from Morocco, highlighting a collective effort to develop labour initiatives across the region.
Sultan of Oman meets several Dutch company CEOs and business leaders
Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman is currently visiting the Netherlands, where he has engaged with several chief executives and business leaders from major Dutch companies. The discussions focused on fostering economic and industrial partnerships across various sectors, including ports, logistics, maritime trade, chemical industries, renewable energy, and agriculture. Additionally, cooperation in cultural and academic fields was also a key topic.
TAX
Saudi sets out tax incentives
Saudi Arabia has launched a new initiative to enhance its investment landscape by attracting foreign talent and businesses to its Special Economic Zones (SEZs). The Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA), in collaboration with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, is offering a range of incentives, including tax exemptions and streamlined visa procedures. The campaign also includes establishing arbitration centres and reducing regulatory bottlenecks to facilitate business operations.
INTERNATIONAL
Dutch workers report miscommunication in multilingual workplaces
Roughly one in three workers at multilingual companies in the Netherlands report that language differences frequently lead to misunderstandings, according to a new study by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and research institute TNO. The annual labour survey, which included over 30,000 employees, revealed that more than 10% of respondents experienced communication barriers that resulted in errors. Additionally, 4% felt excluded, and nearly 2% reported discrimination due to language differences. The ICT sector, where nearly 60% of companies use multiple languages, reported the fewest misunderstandings. Although communication barriers remain a challenge in many sectors, TNO researchers have highlighted how technology can play a critical role in addressing broader labour shortages if implemented properly. “The success of new technology rises or falls with how employees handle it,” observed TNO labour market researcher Dr. Jessie Koen. “Technology is not good or bad in itself, but it always affects how we do our jobs.”
UK business groups urge changes to employment reforms
The UK's five biggest business groups have written an open letter calling for urgent changes to the government's Employment Rights Bill. The proposed new law, due to be scrutinised by the House of Lords this month, includes a right to guaranteed hours and cracks down on zero-hour contracts without the offer of work. But in a rare joint intervention, the British Chambers of Commerce, Confederation of British Industry, Institute of Directors, Federation of Small Businesses and Make UK have warned that the bill in its current form would "damage growth and employment, undermining the government's own goals." They argue the changes will discourage companies hiring "particularly those at the margins of the labour market" as businesses will not want to risk costly tribunal cases. Business groups also urged Lords to consider if guaranteeing workers fixed-hours contracts could backfire, reduce flexibility for both employers and staff, and introduce unnecessary administrative costs.
Job market challenges for graduates in Singapore
In Singapore, the job market is becoming increasingly challenging for both mature workers and fresh graduates, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng said during the inaugural meeting of the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (Sert). The task force aims to assist affected businesses and workers amid uncertainties caused by US tariffs on Singaporean goods. Dr Tan said: “We are . . . looking at how we can support the upcoming cohort of young graduates to start their careers on good footing as the situation evolves.” A recent poll revealed that 60% of union leaders believe the tariffs will impact Singapore, with 70% expressing concerns over global trade uncertainties. Dr Tan urged businesses to leverage government programmes to retain and retrain workers, while also emphasising the importance of hiring and training despite the cautious climate. He said: “More than ever, employers and workers need to stay nimble and adaptable.”
US federal contractors urged to stand firm on DEI
A group of former US Department of Labor officials has urged federal contractors to uphold their diversity policies despite legal threats from the Trump administration. In an open letter, the signatories, who served under multiple administrations, said that "the government cannot prohibit private employers from engaging in fully lawful strategies to advance equal opportunity for all." They expressed their concern over the administration's attempts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which they argued are essential for addressing inequality. The letter highlighted the legal protections that DEI policies provide to contractors, who employ about 20% of the US workforce. Seema Nanda, a signatory and former Solicitor of Labor, said that the government's actions could "intimidate employers from maintaining not just lawful policies but policies that have really helped them run their business in a positive way."
 


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