THE HOT STORY

UAE sends more than 100 ministers and private sector leaders to Davos

The UAE is participating in the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, from 19th to 23rd January. Led by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the delegation includes over 100 ministers and leaders from the private sector. The UAE aims to address key issues such as investment trust, global trade, and economic governance. Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, observed: "As the fifth largest delegation at the Forum, it reflects the UAE's continued focus on economic priorities." The Pavilion theme, "Impossible is Impossible," showcases the UAE's diverse economy and commitment to sustainability.

Zawya EN

Khaleej Times Online

EBOOK

A Guide to Happier, High-Performing Teams

Modern workplaces are under pressure. Hybrid work, rising mental health concerns, and disengagement are reshaping how organisations operate. Happiness Works: The Science of Thriving at Work offers a practical, research-backed response.

This eBook presents a proven five-step framework to help HR leaders and people managers build more inclusive, connected, and resilient teams. Grounded in psychology and real-world experience, it moves beyond surface-level wellbeing initiatives to focus on what genuinely drives engagement and performance.

You’ll explore practical approaches to fairness and transparency, building resilience, strengthening workplace relationships, and redefining productivity in a healthier way. Written by leadership and culture consultant Jessica Weiss, drawing on work with global organisations, it’s designed for professionals looking for evidence-based solutions they can apply immediately.

Usually priced at $28, this resource is available free for a limited time.

Download the eBook now

TECHNOLOGY

Saudi businesses embrace digital HR revolution

Saudi Arabia's Jisr, a leading HR and payroll platform, has reached 700,000 users, highlighting the rapid adoption of digital HR technology in the Kingdom. The growth reflects a significant increase in hiring, with average monthly hiring rising 51.5% year-on-year in 2025, according to Jisr's State of Hiring data. Mohammed Akkar, Founder and CEO of Jisr, said: "HR has become mission-critical for Saudi organisations." The platform's partnerships with major firms including Zuhair Fayez Partnership and Theeb Rent A Car further demonstrate its expanding influence in the market.

Zawya EN

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Qatar's private sector fuels careers

Qatar's Ministry of Labour (MoL) has highlighted the private sector's crucial role in providing job opportunities for graduates during the closing ceremony of the “My Career, My Future” programme. This initiative, organised by the Qatar Career Development Centre, aimed to guide high school students in their career choices and offer real work experience. Khamis al-Nuaimi, assistant undersecretary for National Workforce Affairs, said: "Training empowers students to identify their career paths." He noted that the private sector bridges the gap between education and labour market demands, enhancing graduates' readiness for employment and contributing to economic diversification.

Gulf Times

ECONOMY

GCC tourism revenues hit $120bn

Tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with revenues reaching $120.2bn in 2024, a 39.6% increase since 2019. The region welcomed 72.2m international tourists, marking a 51.5% rise from before the pandemic. The UAE leads this growth, benefiting from its aviation hub status and significant investments in tourism. Intra-GCC travel has also surged, accounting for 41.3% of tourist flows. The sector's direct contribution to the GCC economy is now $93.5bn, highlighting its role in economic diversification and job creation, with 1.7m workers employed in tourism.

Khaleej Times Online

SUSTAINABILITY

Bahrain hosts key sustainability forum

The Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) will take place in Bahrain on January 27 and 28, focusing on climate risks and sustainable business practices. Dr Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil & Environment, will attend. The event features workshops led by KPMG, UNDP, and Anthesis Group, aimed at providing practical tools for climate action. Zahraa Taher, managing director of FinMark Communications, said: "These sessions focus on implementation, credibility, and value creation." The forum expects over 400 participants, including policymakers and sustainability experts, to discuss critical climate issues and strategies.

Trade Arabia

INTERNATIONAL

EU prepares retaliation for Donald Trump’s Greenland threat

EU leaders are considering hitting the US with a €93bn ($107.7bn) package of tariffs in response to Donald Trump’s threats to Nato allies opposed to his campaign to take over Greenland. Another option that will be discussed at an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday is the to-date never-used Anti-Coercion Instrument, which could limit access to public tenders, investments or banking activity or restrict trade in services, in which the US has a surplus with the bloc, including in digital services. "I'm convinced that [Europe] must not give in," observed Jérémie Gallon, a former French diplomat and current senior managing director at McLarty Associates, a Washington-based international strategic advisory firm. "Resisting a new attempt at humiliation and vassalisation is the only way Europe can finally assert itself as a geopolitical actor."

Financial Times

Politico

Reuters

Menopause symptoms have economic consequences

In Germany, over 9m working women are of menopausal age, and face symptoms that can hinder their productivity. A survey by Andrea Rumler from the Berlin School of Economics and Law found that menopausal symptoms cost the German economy approximately €9.5bn annually, resulting in 40m lost working days. Many women feel unable to discuss these issues at work, with over half saying menopause is a taboo topic. Companies are urged to provide support, such as flexible working hours and education on menopause, to retain skilled workers. Rumler said: "Many women in this phase of life are suffering at work."

Deutsche Welle (EN)

Nigeria set to pass law that would regulate AI

Nigeria is set to pass legislation that would regulate artificial intelligence and provide regulators with new powers over data, algorithms and digital platforms. The National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill would mandate greater scrutiny for higher-risk AI systems and require developers to file annual impact assessments. The proposed law would establish ethical standards for transparency, fairness and accountability, and the regulator would be granted powers to demand information, issue enforcement directives and suspend or restrict AI systems that are deemed unsafe or non-compliant.

Bloomberg

Companies urged to review worker safety ahead of CNY rush

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is urging employers to conduct a voluntary safety time-out as a pre-emptive move ahead of the seasonal rush around Chinese New Year. A safety time-out means taking a brief pause from work, especially when there are spikes in workplace incidents or emerging risks, Straits Times notes. MOM suggested a time-out from January 13 to January 27 that would apply to “not just heavy vehicles, but also other vehicles at your worksite, including forklifts and mobile platforms”, it said in a Facebook post.

Straits Times

OTHER

WHO calls for higher taxes on sugary drinks

According to two reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), sugary drinks and alcohol are inadequately taxed, contributing to ongoing health issues. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said: "Health taxes are not a silver bullet . . . but many countries have shown that when they're done right, they're a powerful tool for health." The reports reveal that sugary drinks have become more affordable in 62 countries since 2022, while beer prices have dropped in 56 countries. The WHO's "3 by 35" initiative aims to increase prices of these beverages by 50% over the next decade through taxation, potentially raising $1tn by 2035. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticised major soda manufacturers, and advocates for healthier dietary choices.

Reuters

The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on X.

Online

Advertise

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe