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Middle East Edition
26th January 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

Riyadh hosts global conference on future of work

The third Global Labor Market Conference begins in Riyadh today, focusing on the theme "Future in Progress." Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi said the event reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing global dialogue on the future of work. Over 10,000 participants from 100 countries, including 40 labour ministers, will attend. The conference will address key issues such as employment changes, informal economies, and the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs. It aims to foster collaboration and develop inclusive policies aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
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TECHNOLOGY

Companies 'must invest in redesign and training to gain from AI'

EY global vice chair Julie Teigland has told Reuters that firms are learning that artificial intelligence is not plug-and-play, and ROI requires organisational redesign and training, not just the deployment of tools. She cited work by EY indicating that intensive training can be linked to productivity improvements, observing that around 81 hours of training per employee could translate into roughly 14% weekly productivity gains, in concert with role redesign. AI's labour impact will be "multi-generational," changing entry-level positions and routine white-collar tasks, Teigland said, with employees needing to shift from "doing the task to supervising the task," and becoming "above the loop."
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STRATEGY

Amazon to cut thousands more corporate jobs in second wave of layoffs

Amazon is reportedly preparing to cut thousands of additional corporate jobs this week, targeting roles in Web Services, retail, Prime Video, and HR, as part of a plan to reduce its white-collar workforce by 30,000 - roughly 10% of its corporate staff. Following 14,000 job cuts in October, this second round could begin as soon as Tuesday. Chief executive Andy Jassy has attributed the layoffs to cultural inefficiencies rather than financial or AI-related pressures, despite Amazon's increased use of artificial intelligence to streamline operations. The move marks the largest corporate layoff in the company’s history.
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WORKFORCE

Oman sets 60,000 job target for 2026

The Ministry of Labour in Oman reported significant achievements in job creation during a recent media briefing. In 2025, it provided 36,413 job opportunities and 15,069 through training programmes. The ministry noted that 18 sectoral committees announced 13,000 job openings, while 2,300 freelance professions were registered. Looking ahead, the ministry aims to create 60,000 jobs in 2026, including 10,000 in the government sector. The ministry stated that 50,000 jobs will target replacement roles in key sectors. The ministry also highlighted initiatives for low-income citizens and persons with disabilities.
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LEGAL

Doha Legal Forum aims to boost Qatar's legislative environment

The first Doha Legal Forum will occur from January 26 to 27, 2024, in Qatar. Dr Abdullah Hamad Al Khaldi, director of the Centre for Legal and Judicial Studies, stated that this event is the largest legal gathering in the country. It aims to discuss legislative and judicial developments influenced by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The forum's theme, “Emerging Trends and Future Outlooks,” will focus on technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Al Khaldi noted that the forum will enhance investment confidence and align with Qatar National Vision 2030. He said: "The forum contributes to strengthening investment confidence."
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HEALTH & WELLBEING

US officially leaves World Health Organization

The US has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO). All US funding to the WHO has been terminated and US participation in WHO-sponsored leadership bodies and working groups has ended. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said it took the decision due to the WHO's alleged "mishandling" of the pandemic, an inability to reform, and political influence from member states. The US leaves behind unpaid debt of roughly $260m. There’s no requirement in statute to settle the debt before exiting the agency, a senior HHS official said. “It’s a very messy divorce,” observed Lawrence Gostin, director of the WHO collaborating centre on national and global health law at Georgetown University.
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TAX

Egypt's tax authority launches new platform

Rasha Abdel Aal, head of the Egyptian Tax Authority (ETA), has announced a new consultation platform aimed at engaging businesses in tax policymaking. The initiative allows companies to share their views before tax decisions are made. Abdel Aal emphasised Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk's commitment to fostering dialogue and transparency. The platform is part of a broader strategy to improve tax services, including the introduction of the Tax Excellence Card for compliant taxpayers. Abdel Aal said: "We are moving forward to develop a modern tax system that supports the national economy."
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INTERNATIONAL

Guidance that expanded workplace protections for LGBTQ workers is scrapped

The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s newly-established Republican majority has rescinded legal guidance that had strengthened protections against unlawful harassment for LGBTQ workers and women who have abortions. EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas emphasized that the commission’s decision “will not leave a void where employers are free to harass wherever they see fit, leaving a trail of victims in their wake.” Recently-installed Commissioner Brittany Panuccio added that private sector resources on anti-harassment law would fill any gaps. But critics said the move could discourage employers from preventing harassment and leave workers without recourse when they face it. "This action is likely to increase the amount of harassment that occurs in workplaces across the country," a dozen former EEOC and US Department of Labor officials said in a joint statement.

South Korea launches landmark laws to regulate AI

South Korea has introduced what it says is the world's first comprehensive set of laws regulating artificial intelligence. Under the terms of the AI Basic Act, companies must ensure there is human oversight in so-called "high-impact" AI such as that involving nuclear safety, the production of drinking water, transport, healthcare and some financial uses. Meanwhile, companies must give users prior notice about products or services that use high-impact or generative AI, and provide clear labelling when AI-generated output is difficult to distinguish from reality. Start-ups, however, complain that the laws' language is vague, and compliance will be burdensome.

SocGen to cut 1,800 jobs in France by end of 2027

French lender Société Générale intends to reduce the number of positions in the country by 1,800 out of a pool of 40,000 by the end of 2027, the CGT union said. "Management is calling in the unions . . . to present them with the reorganisation plan, which will result in 1,800 job losses – without any specific support plan (through natural attrition)," the union said in a statement.

Malaysia's new expat salary rules are among region's strictest

Malaysia's pay threshold for expatriate visas is to be doubled from June to boost local hiring. The salary threshold for expatriate Employment Pass (EP) holders will be substantially increased as the Ministry of Home Affairs seeks to reduce the country's reliance on overseas labour and develop pathways to work for its citizens. Employers will each month need to pay non-local senior managers $4,940, up from $2,470, and skilled workers a doubled rate of $2,470. Malaysia's move places it among the strictest regimes for expatriate hiring in Southeast Asia.
 
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