THE HOT STORY

Young workers are most worried about AI affecting jobs

Four in five workers believe ‌artificial intelligence is going to affect ‌their daily tasks in the workplace, according to a survey ‍ of 27,000 workers and 1,225 employers that covered more than 3m job postings across 35 markets conducted by Randstad. Gen Z were found to be among those most concerned as job vacancies requiring "AI agent" skills surged by 1,587%, the survey showed. The annual 'Workmonitor' report by the recruitment agency indicated that AI and automation are increasingly replacing low-complexity, transactional roles.

U.S. News

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WORKPLACE

Khaleej Times Best Places to Work 2025 winners are announced

The Khaleej Times has announced the winners of the Best Places to Work 2025, recognising organisations in the Middle East that excel in workplace culture and employee wellbeing. Powered by WorkL, the awards saw companies demonstrating commitment to employee engagement through initiatives in wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion. To qualify, organisations needed a minimum score of 70% in employee happiness across six key drivers. Lord Mark Price, founder of WorkL, said: "These organisations have happier, more engaged employees and are reaping the benefits."

Khaleej Times Online

LEGAL

Israel moves to allow Uber and Lyft amid transport reform

An Israeli ministerial committee has approved a law permitting ride-hailing services including Uber and Lyft to operate there, aiming to reduce taxi fares and improve transport access. The proposed legislation will regulate technology-based transport operators and includes safety measures, driver screening, and a transition plan for the existing taxi industry. Transportation Minister Miri Regev described the law as a "historic step" towards dismantling outdated monopolies and enhancing competition for the public.

Reuters

HIRING

UAE employment rises 2.5% in Q4 2025

Employment in the UAE rose by 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by hiring in technology, finance, real estate, healthcare, and logistics, according to a Cooper Fitch study. Dr Trefor Murphy, chief executive of Cooper Fitch, noted that the fourth quarter is typically strong for hiring. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) labour market also grew by 2.6% in the fourth quarter, marking the strongest quarter of the year. Increased job opportunities are attracting foreign workers, pushing the UAE's population to over 11m.

Khaleej Times Online

LEADERSHIP

Nationality is no longer irrelevant for global CEOs

Foreign-born CEOs are increasingly facing challenges in the US amid rising nationalist sentiments and stricter immigration policies, with anti-globalist rhetoric gradually seeping into corporate decision-making, writes the Financial Times' Anjli Raval.

Financial Times

INTERNATIONAL

UK business leaders shun juniors over false allegations fears

One in 10 UK business leaders avoids meeting junior colleagues due to fears of false allegations, according to a YouGov survey by global investigations firm Nardello & Co. The study revealed that 25% of leaders consider reputational damage a top concern, with 20% worried about managing wrongful allegations. Alan Kennedy, managing director at Nardello, noted that advancements in AI complicate the challenge of false narratives. Additionally, 42% of businesses are concerned about the reputational impact of data breaches, while 30% cite financial crime as a major threat. Joseph Pochron at Nardello points out that the UK Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which is expected to be enforced later this year, will force organisations to adopt risk-based cybersecurity measures.

The Times

Louvre closes for third time in a month

The Louvre Museum in Paris closed on Monday for the third time this month due to a staff strike, as unions demand better pay, recruitment, and maintenance. The museum's management have reported a loss of "at least one million euros" from previous closures. Union leaders, including Valerie Baud from the CFDT, expressed concerns over the management style of director Laurence des Cars, saying: "If we get the pay but continue with this governance model, we won't be out of the woods." The strike follows a recent security breach that has intensified scrutiny on museum management.

France 24

Target faces hometown backlash as ICE detentions spark protests

US retailer Target is under growing pressure in its hometown of Minneapolis after federal immigration agents detained two US citizen employees at a suburban store, triggering protests and calls for the retailer to take a stand. Video of the incident went viral, prompting local officials and activists to demand that Target protect workers and shoppers from ICE actions on its premises. Though Target has yet to issue a public statement, it has advised staff to avoid interference with law enforcement and reinforced that agents need a warrant to access private areas. Similar incidents have occurred at other major retailers in the region, including Walmart and Home Depot, amid rising tension over federal immigration enforcement in public retail spaces.

CBS News

Wall Street Journal

India urges quick-commerce firms to drop 10-minute delivery promise

India’s labour ministry has called on rapid delivery platforms including Blinkit, Instamart, and Zepto to remove 10-minute delivery guarantees amid concerns over gig worker safety and conditions. Blinkit has already dropped the branding, and others are expected to follow. While the move is seen as a reputational response rather than a change in operations, analysts say fast delivery remains essential in India's fiercely competitive e-commerce market.

Bloomberg

Hindustan Times

Reuters

OTHER

Billionaires' wealth hits new peak, Oxfam says

Billionaire fortunes have grown at a rate three times faster than the previous five years since the election of Donald Trump in November 2024, according to Oxfam in a report timed for the opening of the World Economic ‌Forum in Davos. While US billionaires have seen the sharpest growth in their fortunes, billionaires in the rest of the world have also seen double digit increases. The number of billionaires has surpassed 3,000 for the first time, and the level of billionaire wealth is now higher than at any time in history. "The widening gap between the rich and the rest is at the same time ‍creating a political deficit that is highly dangerous and unsustainable," Oxfam's executive director Amitabh Behar said.

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