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Middle East Edition
23rd June 2025
 
THE HOT STORY
Companies evacuate employees amid intensifying conflict
A growing number of organisations are rushing to evacuate local staff as the conflict between Iran and Israel intensifies, according to security risk services company International SOS. “Since June 13 when the conflict began, we have evacuated over 200 people from different locations,” said Gulnaz Ukassova, the regional security director for information & analysis at International SOS, which is actively supporting organisations across the region with real-time intelligence, risk assessments, and response planning. “There are people who are already moving, not just from those two countries, but also from neighbouring countries - and others that are in the process of planning. We help them with not just evacuating from the country, but also securing transport and support with all of the logistical arrangements afterwards.”
REMOTE WORKING
Bahrain's government shifts to remote work
Bahrain has announced that 70% of government employees will work remotely until further notice due to escalating regional tensions following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The Civil Service Bureau said that the directive applies to all ministries and government bodies, with exceptions for sectors requiring on-site presence. The decision was made “in light of current regional circumstances and in the interest of public safety.” Additionally, the Ministry of Education has instructed all educational institutions to activate digital learning platforms as part of a contingency plan to ensure educational continuity.
RISK
Shell cautious amid Middle East tensions
Shell chief executive Wael Sawan has said the company is being “very careful” with Middle East shipping amid the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Speaking in Tokyo, he cited “significant uncertainty” and risks including electronic interference near the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for 20% of global oil and fuel. “If that artery is blocked . .  it’ll have a huge impact on global trade,” Sawan warned.
Gulf companies prepare contingency plans amid fears of conflict spillover
Risk advisory groups have seen a “sharp increase” in inquiries as Gulf region companies prepare contingency plans and activate crisis teams in readiness for any potential spillover of the Israel-Iran war.
CYBERSECURITY
Cyberattacks top list of global business concerns
The threat of cyberattacks represents the most serious challenge for businesses in the coming year, according to a report published by advisory firm Kroll. Seventy-four per cent of organisations report increased cybersecurity and data privacy concerns, with the most common threats including malware (44%) and AI-powered exploits (28%). “When it comes to addressing the patchwork of global data privacy laws and the impact on their businesses, just 12% of respondents globally ranked their organisations as ‘extremely prepared,’” Kroll said in its report. The average business gave itself a 7.4 score out of 10. Globally, one in three respondents ranked geopolitical tensions among their top business challenges for the year ahead, with companies in the United States, UK and Europe most likely to see it as a major concern. Tariffs, technology controls and cybercrime, supply chain disruption, regulatory shifts, and sanctions were cited as the highest areas of geopolitical concern. US companies indexed higher than global peers on concerns regarding inflation and domestic political tensions, while evolving data privacy regulations worry European companies more than other regions.
Iran crypto exchange hacked, $90m lost
Hackers, possibly tied to Israel, drained over $90m from Nobitex, Iran’s largest crypto exchange, and leaked its full source code. The group, Gonjeshke Darande (“Predatory Sparrow”), claimed the attack was a political strike, accusing Nobitex of aiding Iran's sanctioned activities. Funds were moved to wallets that effectively destroyed them. Nobitex confirmed “unauthorised access” and shut down services. Blockchain firms say the attack targeted multiple currencies and was highly symbolic amid Israel-Iran tensions. British blockchain analytics firm Elliptic has reported links between Nobitex, Iran’s leadership, and groups including Hamas and the Houthis.
TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft: AI could redefine the workday
Technology is changing the shape of the working day, according to Microsoft’s latest work trend index, with advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and connectivity meaning the traditional 9 to 5 may soon be a thing of the past. The study suggests that working hours are extending into early mornings, late nights, and weekends, creating the “infinite workday.” The analysis found that 40% of workers are checking emails before 6am, while almost a third remain online at 10pm. It was also shown that typical users of Microsoft 365 receive 117 emails and 153 chat messages each day, up 6% on a year ago.
WORKFORCE
Oman’s private sector employment soars
Oman's labour market showed stability in the first quarter of 2025, with a total of 1,808,451 workers, reflecting a slight increase of 0.2% from 2024, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The report emphasises the importance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in maintaining employment, with micro-enterprises employing 37.5% of the workforce. The private sector remains the largest employer with 1,409,215 workers, despite a 0.9% decrease from the previous year. The family sector grew by 4.7% to 349,517 employees, while the public sector saw a minor decline.
STRATEGY
JD.com looks to international market for growth
JD Logistics has announced the launch of JoyExpress in Saudi Arabia, marking the first time that JD.com will operate its own consumer-focused express delivery service outside of China. JD Logistics operates over 3,600 warehouses in its home country. JoyExpress extends this self-operated model overseas, and will offer delivery services as fast as the same-day in Saudi Arabia. At a press conference, founder and chair Richard Liu emphasised the importance of the global market for JD's future growth. "We have been working in Europe for three years, and the logistics infrastructure there is now basically in place. However, it's still not enough", he said. “For JD, it’s a lost five years, to put it bluntly".
INTERNATIONAL
One in five workers in Denmark say they feel stressed
Analysis by the Danish government suggests that one in five workers in Denmark experiences stress, and over half attribute it to their job. The report, Status på arbejdsmarkedet (‘Labour Market Status'), highlights that stress is particularly prevalent among those aged 25-34, with women and parents reporting higher levels. Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen described the findings as “concerning and serious,” emphasising that stress is not just an individual issue but a societal one. She said: “If we are to stop rising stress, we must have a conversation as a society about how we organise our private and working lives.” The report also notes that around 60% of workers continue working past retirement age, with nearly 130,000 people doing so in 2024.
Amazon instructs employees to relocate to Seattle, other hubs
Bloomberg reports that Amazon has ordered some workers to relocate to such cities as Seattle, Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Sources told the agency that the online retailer is mostly rolling out the mandate in one-on-one meetings and town halls rather than sending out a mass email. One employee said their manager informed the team of the need to relocate and told them they had 30 days to make a decision, and 60 days thereafter to either resign or begin their relocation process. A company spokesperson said “we hear from the majority of our teammates that they love the energy from being located together, and whenever someone chooses to or is asked to relocate, we work with them to offer support based on their individual circumstances.”
1m sick and burned out UK workers set to quit by 2026
Over 1m workers in the UK are expected to resign by 2026 due to burnout and health issues, according to a report by the Work Foundation. The analysis highlights that 6% of the workforce plans to leave their jobs by June 2026, with younger workers aged 16 to 24 being particularly affected. The report calls for a redesign of jobs, advocating for flexible working arrangements and improved health benefits to address the declining mental health of employees. Ben Harrison, director of the foundation, warned that without additional support, "we could see a new generation scarred by unemployment and economic inactivity." A government spokesman said: "We are determined to create a welfare system that supports people into work and out of poverty – backed by £1bn to help sick or disabled people find good, secure jobs."
OTHER
Japan footballer still going strong at 58
Kazuyoshi Miura, at 58 years and 109 days, has set a new record as the oldest player in the Japan Football League, marking his 40th professional season with Atletico Suzuka. Coming on as a substitute in the 82nd minute, Miura contributed to a 2-1 victory over YSCC Yokohama. Despite not scoring, he expressed his gratitude, saying: "Thanks to help from my teammates and trainers, I've been able to make it this far." Miura, who returned to Japan after a stint in Portugal, aims to elevate his performance further, saying: "I'm looking to step up a gear from here." He made his debut in 1986 and has played a significant role in popularising football in Japan.
 


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