THE HOT STORY

Emirati women top Arab world for working hours

Emirati women are making significant contributions to the UAE's economy, leading the Arab world in average weekly working hours at 48.5 hours. They hold 26% of Cabinet positions and represent 71% of the Emirati workforce. The UAE ranks first regionally in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report and the Gender Equality Index by the United Nations Development Programme. Writing for Gulf News, Abdulla AlHammadi notes that the strong participation of women in various sectors reflects their vital role in national development, supported by policies promoting women's empowerment and rights in the workplace.

Gulfnews.com

CORPORATE

Revolut did not tell UK regulators CEO was listed as UAE resident

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Bank of England were unaware of Revolut chief executive Nik Storonsky changing his residency from the UK to the UAE until a Companies House filing revealed it. Revolut said: “Revolut operates across 39 markets and our CEO, Nik Storonsky, divides his time across the UK and our key international regions, reflecting the global nature of the business. There has been no change to his role or responsibilities at Revolut.” The fintech company, which is valued at $75bn, faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny regarding its operations and banking licence.

Financial Times

City AM

The Times

WORKFORCE

Accenture dubs its 800,000 staff 'reinventors' as it adapts to AI

Accenture has started calling its nearly 800,000 employees “reinventors”, as the New York-listed consultancy overhauls itself to adapt to the explosion of artificial intelligence and advises companies adopting the technology. The Guardian notes that Accenture chief executive Julie Sweet told investors in September that the firm would “exit” employees who were not getting the hang of using AI at work. The group said it was training staff in generative AI fundamentals, but employees for whom “reskilling, based on our experience, is not a viable path for the skills we need” would have to go.

Financial Times

The Guardian

REMUNERATION

Top consultancies freeze starting salaries as AI threatens ‘pyramid’ model

Top consultancies have frozen starting salaries for a third consecutive year as artificial intelligence starts to reshape the industry and forces firms to reconsider their traditional “pyramid” structure.

Financial Times

WORKPLACE

OCCI to establish new headquarters in Madinat Al Irfan

The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) has chosen Madinat Al Irfan for its new headquarters, further enhancing the area's role in Oman's economic development. Azzan bin Qasim al Busaidy, Chairman of OMRAN Group, said: "Madinat Al Irfan is the urban centre for sectors that underpin Oman's diversification." The 10,000 sq m headquarters will be strategically located near key facilities, so promoting engagement with the private sector. The project aims for international sustainability standards, targeting WELL and LEED certifications to ensure occupant wellbeing and operational efficiency.

Oman Observer

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Riyadh declaration champions women in industry

The Riyadh Declaration, adopted at the UNIDO Global Industry Summit, addresses key issues in the industrial development of the Global South, focusing on youth entrepreneurship and women's empowerment. Bandar Alkhorayef, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, announced the adoption of April 21 as the International Day of Women in Industry. This designation marks a significant milestone in recognising women's contributions to sustainable industrial development. Alkhorayef said that it reflects a global commitment to enhancing women's leadership in industrial transformation, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

Arab News

INTERNATIONAL

China promotes development in human resources services

China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has hosted the third national human resources services industry development conference in Wuhan. Zhang Wenmiao, director of the ministry's human resources flow management department, said human resources is the first and most important resource for China's socioeconomic development. "The nation's human resources services industry has experienced fast but healthy growth in recent years. So far, there are over 70,000 human resources agencies with more than 1m people working in the industry," he said.

Chinadaily US Edition

Taxi drivers in Greece launch 48-hour nationwide strike

Taxis across Greece will be completely halted on 2 and 3 December due to a 48-hour strike announced by the Panhellenic Federation of Taxi Owners and Drivers (POEIATA). The federation said that all dialogue with the government has failed. Key demands include delaying the switch to electric taxis until 2035, addressing competition from ride-hailing apps, increasing fares, and restoring bus lane access for occupied taxis.

GreekCitytimes

Islamabad ‘cashless' market seeks to curb tax evasion

Pakistan has launched its first cashless market in Islamabad to promote digital payments and reduce tax evasion. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's stated Digital Pakistan Vision. Raja Asad, the market's manager, noted that 99% of the 2,743 stalls operate cashlessly. However, vendors such as Muhammad Arshad have expressed concerns about unreliable internet connectivity affecting transactions. Customer Kiran Fatima reported that some vendors were refusing digital payments due to "scanner issues." The government aims to increase tax collection to Rs14.13 trillion by 2025–26.

Arab News

The housing crisis is pushing Gen Z into crypto and economic nihilism

A US study has found that reduced work effort, increased leisure spending and investment in risky financial assets are all disproportionately common among young adults who face few home-ownership prospects.

Financial Times

OTHER

Saudi Arabia to implement new tax policy on sweetened beverages

Saudi Arabia will implement a new selective tax on sweetened beverages starting January 1, 2026. Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef said the policy addresses concerns raised by industrialists. The tax will shift from a flat-rate system to a tiered volumetric approach based on sugar content per 100 millilitres. This change aims to reduce sugar consumption and improve public health while allowing industry innovation. Alkhorayef noted the importance of collaboration among various ministries and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in reaching this agreement. "The Kingdom has demonstrated its full commitment to cooperating with the private sector," he said.

Saudi Gazette

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