THE HOT STORY

Deloitte report highlights gap between AI ambitions and organisational readiness

Deloitte’s 2026 Global Human Capital Trends report finds that while business leaders are increasingly looking to technology - particularly AI - to solve workforce and operational challenges, most organisations lack the cultural and structural foundations to deliver on those ambitions. The report identifies three key issues: employees struggling to keep pace with constant change, widespread AI adoption without sufficient accountability or trust frameworks, and outdated organisational structures that hinder agility. While 60% of executives are already using AI in decision-making, only 5% believe they manage it effectively, with many failing to consider its impact on employees. Leaders are seeking AI-driven solutions that embed real-time learning, improve decision-making transparency, and enable more flexible, skills-based ways of working. However, progress remains limited, with only a small minority of organisations successfully adapting their workforce, governance models, and operating structures to support these changes.

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LEGAL

Decree aims to strengthen justice, transparency, and good governance in Dubai's government

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued Decree No. (5) of 2026 to establish the Central Grievances Committee for Dubai Government employees. The decree aims to enhance justice, transparency, and governance while promoting job security and employee performance. It allows employees to appeal administrative decisions affecting their employment status. The Grievance Adjudication Committee will review these appeals, ensuring fairness and compliance with public service laws. Employees can submit grievances within 14 working days, and all decisions made by the Committee are final and binding. The decree is effective upon publication in the Official Gazette.

Emirates24

Zawya EN

Gulfnews.com

CORPORATE

Middle East conflict to intensify European corporate distress

The war in the Middle East and surging energy costs are set to exacerbate soaring levels of financial distress among European companies, according to Alvarez & Marsal. “The escalating conflict in the Middle East is likely acting as a multiplier for the distress we are already tracking across the European landscape,” said Chris Johnston, a managing director in the consultancy firm’s European restructuring team. Referencing the surge in oil and gas prices, Johnston said: “This directly erodes the purchasing power of the European consumer, further destabilising retail and other consumer focused sectors that are already struggling with market share erosion and high debt-servicing costs.”

Bloomberg

RISK

Middle East conflict disrupts pharma air routes

Reuters reports on pharma industry executives who are saying that the Middle East conflict is disrupting the flow of critical medicines, including cancer drugs and other treatments that require refrigeration, to the Gulf, forcing companies to reroute flights and find overland access into the region. Data indicates that over a fifth of global air cargo - the main route for critical or life-saving drugs and vaccines - is exposed to Middle East disruption.

Reuters

INTERNATIONAL

Vietnam's landmark AI law is a major regulatory test for Southeast Asia

Vietnam has enacted a new law regulating artificial intelligence, marking a significant shift from voluntary guidelines to binding regulations in Southeast Asia. The law requires AI providers to classify their systems by risk level and label AI-generated content. It aims to enhance accountability and transparency, similar to the European Union's AI Act. Analysts view the legislation as a potential model for the region. Saijai Liangpunsakul, the founder of Stop Online Harm, a coalition that combats online harassment campaigns, said: “Deepfakes and scams are already affecting people across the region, and governments are realising that ethical guidelines alone are not enough.”

South China Morning Post

Trump's chief of staff has breast cancer but will keep working through treatment

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer but will continue her duties during treatment. President Donald Trump shared the news on social media, saying that Wiles' prognosis is “excellent” and calling her “one of the strongest people I know.” In a statement to the New York Times, Wiles said she was “encouraged by the strong prognosis” and thanked Trump for his support. “Nearly one in eight women in the United States will face this diagnosis,” Wiles said. “Every day, these women continue to raise their families, go to work and serve their communities with strength and determination. I now join their ranks.”

Chicago Tribune

NJ.com

U.S. News

African countries weigh taxes to help fill USAID cuts

The World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have expressed support for so-called “vice taxes” on alcohol, cigarettes and sugar to cover health care costs and reduce reliance on foreign donors following the end of USAID. Some countries are already testing them out, including Nigeria, which is expected to increase excise duties on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages this year, and Rwanda, which raised taxes on cigarettes and beer in early 2025. Ethiopia is moving ahead with similar measures.

Bloomberg

SNCF's dress code sparks outrage

French rail unions have been angered by a dress code from national rail operator SNCF which advises employees on dressing with "French elegance." The 40-page guide, which SNCF has said is now withdrawn, suggested ways to enhance body shapes while in uniform, including specific clothing recommendations for different body types. The Sud Rail union condemned the guide, saying it imposed unnecessary aesthetic standards and had no professional basis. SNCF acknowledged the document was shared without approval and is investigating its distribution. "The company has no right to judge its employees' bodies," the union said.

The Local

OTHER

Qatar retail sees surge in pre-Eid spending amid travel shift

Qatar’s retail sector is experiencing a strong pre-Eid boost, with increased footfall across malls and traditional markets driven by seasonal promotions and more residents opting to stay in the country due to regional tensions. Retailers and tailors report one of the busiest periods of the year, with extended shopping hours, strong consumer spending, and demand for festive clothing and goods supporting confidence despite wider geopolitical uncertainty.

Gulf Times

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