Human Times

Middle East Edition

10th July 2025

THE HOT STORY

UAE hiring surges 4%

In the second quarter of 2025, hiring in the UAE increased by 4%, the highest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, according to Cooper Fitch's quarterly report. While the UAE thrived, other GCC nations experienced slower hiring due to the Eid holidays, with Saudi Arabia and Oman seeing a modest 2% increase, and Bahrain at 1%. In contrast, Kuwait and Qatar faced declines of 4% and 3%, respectively. The report highlighted strong demand in sectors like finance, legal, and technology, although many firms paused senior-level hiring due to budget constraints and shifting priorities. Overall, the UAE's job market remains robust, with expectations for continued growth into the third quarter.

Khaleej Times Online

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Tech Mahindra's bold move in Oman

Tech Mahindra, a leading IT services provider, is significantly enhancing its presence in Oman, chief executive and managing director, said: "Oman is a key pillar in Tech Mahindra's Middle East strategy," highlighting its role as an innovation hub. The Muscat Technology Development Centre aims to foster local talent and drive digital transformation across various sectors. With initiatives like the Maker's Lab, which trained over 200 candidates in AI and IoT, Tech Mahindra is committed to empowering Omani youth. The company plans to operationalise multiple innovation pods and onboard over 500 local professionals in the next 12 to 18 months, aligning with Oman Vision 2040. Tech Mahindra's local delivery model and partnerships position it uniquely in the competitive landscape, focusing on co-innovation and tailored solutions for regional needs.

TimesofOman

Empowering UAE talent for tomorrow

Telecom and digital services provider du has renewed its strategic partnership with Huawei to enhance Emiratisation by equipping UAE talent with advanced technological skills. The collaboration aims to foster innovation in the digital and telecommunications sectors, with a focus on areas such as AI, data analytics, 5G, and cloud solutions. du chief executive Fahad Al Hassawi, said: “Through this renewed partnership, we will nurture a competitive and future-ready talent pipeline empowered by world-class digital skills.” The partnership will implement various training programs, including Specialist Programs and Executive Leadership Programs, to enhance skills across all employee levels.

Zawya EN

Gulf Air launches summer training programme

Gulf Air Group has introduced its summer training programme, FLY, aimed at inspiring and preparing future leaders in aviation. The initiative provides Bahraini school students with hands-on experiences across various aviation sectors, including airline operations and airport management. Mohamed Matar, chief people officer of Gulf Air Group, said: "FLY is more than just a summer programme; it's a strategic investment in the future of Bahrain’s youth." The programme collaborates with several educational organisations to nominate students, reflecting Gulf Air's commitment to nurturing local talent and enhancing engagement with the education sector.

Zawya EN

Trade Arabia

Empowering youth through tourism training

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is collaborating with Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches to launch the 2025 Tourism Youth Summer Camp, aimed at developing young Emirati leaders in tourism and hospitality. Scheduled from 14-24 July 2025, the two-week programme will provide hands-on training and cultural engagement for Emirati students aged 17 to 21. H.E. The curriculum will cover essential hospitality disciplines, fostering skills like teamwork and customer service while promoting appreciation for the UAE's cultural identity.

Zawya EN

Graduation day at the academy

Oman's Academy for Strategic and Defence Studies held a graduation ceremony for the 38th Joint Command and Staff College course on Wednesday, under the patronage of Dr Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Defence. The event was attended by Maj. Gen Hamid Ahmed Sakroon, chair of the Academy, who presented awards to the top graduates. The course, which began in August last year, included officers from the Ministry of Defence, the Sultan's Armed Forces, and various military services from GCC countries and friendly nations. The college aims to prepare officer trainees as proficient operational leaders and staff officers, equipped for diverse environments and aligned with modern military education advancements.

TimesofOman

WORKFORCE

Kuwait clears air on exit permits

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) in Kuwait has confirmed that domestic workers are not required to obtain exit permits to leave the country, countering misleading social media reports. PAM described these claims as “entirely false,” clarifying that while exit permits are mandatory for private sector workers, domestic workers remain exempt from this requirement. The authority emphasised that no official procedures for exit permits for domestic workers have been established and urged the public to rely on official government channels for accurate information.

Gulfnews.com

HIRING

AI's hiring revolution: are you ready?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the hiring process by predicting candidates' decisions based on human behaviour patterns. Recent studies reveal that AI can outperform traditional psychological theories in understanding decision-making. For instance, the Centaur model, trained on 10m human choices, excelled in predicting decisions related to fairness and risk, which are crucial in job interviews. Additionally, research from MIT highlights how AI tracks attention and memory, allowing it to anticipate responses under pressure. Dr Paul Ekman, a leading expert in deception detection, notes that AI tools are now integrated into hiring platforms, analysing candidates' tone and expressions. While AI can reveal behavioural patterns, it may also pigeonhole candidates, potentially overlooking those who think outside the box.

Forbes

FUTURE OF WORK

AI threatens entry-level jobs

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is raising concerns about the future of entry-level jobs, with chief executives suggesting that as many as half of all white-collar positions could be affected. Aneesh Raman, a LinkedIn executive, noted that the bottom rungs of the white-collar career ladder are “breaking.” However, he also pointed out that there is no definitive evidence linking AI to the current instability in the entry-level job market. The disruption could lead to a shortage of skilled mid- and high-level employees, as companies may struggle to cultivate talent if entry-level positions diminish. To address this, educators and employers must collaborate to reimagine the talent pipeline, ensuring that graduates possess skills that AI cannot replicate.

Washingtonpost.com

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Stay safe: workers' health in focus

The Ministry of Labour (MoL) in Qatar, through its Occupational Safety and Health Department, recently organised an awareness event aimed at improving occupational health standards for outdoor workers, particularly in the security and agricultural sectors. The event highlighted significant risks such as heat stress and chemical exposure, providing essential guidance on preventive measures. Officials stressed the necessity of strict compliance with health and safety regulations to protect workers' physical and mental wellbeing. The Ministry urged employers to implement effective safety measures, reinforcing its commitment to high standards in all work environments.

The Peninsula

PRODUCTIVITY

Breaking the cycle of overwork

High-performing professionals often find themselves trapped in a relentless cycle of overwork, driven by an "entrainment cycle" that synchronises their emotional and physical states with their organisation's demanding pace. Research involving over 150 interviews in law and accounting firms reveals that this culture of overwork is not merely a personal choice but a deeply ingrained norm. As one participant noted: “When I'm busy, generally speaking, I am more energized.” However, this constant pressure can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a fragile work culture. To combat these issues, organisations must rethink their work structures, such as implementing a four-day workweek or promoting asynchronous communication. By addressing the tempo of work rather than just the hours, companies can foster a healthier work-life balance and improve employee well-being.

Harvard Business Review

INTERNATIONAL

Older workers hold key to UK economy

The OECD warns that older Britons must work longer to prevent an economic slowdown. The UK's GDP per capita is projected to grow at just 0.41% annually until 2060, nearly half the previous rate. The OECD's Employment Outlook report states: "The United Kingdom is marked [from other rich countries] by the striking contribution that improving older worker employment could make." Currently, only 58% of those in their 60s are employed, and 15% of workers aged 55 to 64 experience job strain, which discourages them from remaining in the workforce. The report suggests that enhancing job quality and implementing policies to encourage the hiring of older workers could significantly improve employment rates. With the state pension age rising to 67, the UK aims to bolster its grey workforce, following successful examples from countries like the Netherlands. Retaining older workers could account for nearly 70% of potential improvements in the UK's overall employment rate.

The Daily Telegraph

AND FINALLY...

Hot wheels: teen’s sun-soaked scooter solves commute woes

Param Bhimani, an 18-year-old STEM student at Jumeirah College in Dubai, has designed a solar-powered electric scooter to address the commuting challenges faced by workers in the harsh sun. “My solar-powered electric scooter isn't just an engineering feat – it's a solution to a real-world problem,” he stated. The scooter, which takes around nine hours of sunlight to charge, can travel up to 20 km at a speed of 40 km/h without external power. Param undertook every aspect of the project, from design using Onshape CAD software to developing a custom Battery Management System. His work aligns with the UAE's clean energy vision, and he aims to refine the scooter's efficiency while seeking collaborations to support underserved communities. “Engineering is more than just fun – it's a tool to solve real-world problems,” he added.

Gulfnews.com

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