THE HOT STORY

UAE implements measures to maintain labour market stability

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has implemented measures to maintain the stability of the local labour market amid regional challenges. The ministry said that private sector companies are operating normally, and are being supported by a robust legal framework and government initiatives. Four precautionary measures have been implemented to ensure worker safety and compliance with health standards, including continuous monitoring of work sites and worker accommodation facilities. The ministry is also increasing awareness campaigns on official guidelines and strengthening communication channels with workers to receive feedback and respond to inquiries quickly.

Gulfnews.com

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

stc Bahrain grants employees a 10-day extended Eid Al-Fitr holiday

stc Bahrain has announced a 10-day holiday for its employees in celebration of Eid Al-Fitr, starting from the first day of Eid until 28 March. The initiative reflects the company's commitment to fostering a supportive work environment and enhancing work-life balance. Eng. Khalid Al Osaimi, chief executive of stc Bahrain, said: "This extended holiday comes as an expression of our appreciation for their sincere efforts."

Zawya EN

Trade Arabia

ECONOMY

BIS warns of economic danger of enduring Iran conflict

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has warned that a prolonged war in the Middle East that dislodges inflation expectations could result in financial-market fallout and fiscal trouble. “If the conflict persists or widens beyond current expectations, that could trigger sharper adjustments in inflation expectations and financial conditions,” said Hyun Song Shin, head of the Monetary and Economic Department at the Basel-based institution. “A spike in interest rates could put pressure on rich asset price valuations and rising financial costs for governments and the need to issue more debt could undermine fiscal sustainability.” The body, which advises the world’s central banks, urged policymakers not to rush reactions to the crisis-driven spike in global energy prices.

Bloomberg

Reuters

INTERNATIONAL

US Chief Justice John Roberts calls for end to ‘dangerous’ hostility toward judges

US Chief Justice John Roberts has said hostility toward individual Supreme Court members is creating a dangerous environment, in his first public comments since President Donald Trump slammed justices who had voted to strike down his global tariffs. Following that ruling, Trump said justices who ruled against him were “fools,” “lapdogs,” “unpatriotic,” “disloyal to our Constitution” and “an embarrassment to their families.” Roberts did not mention the U.S. president by name in his remarks at an event at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. “The problem sometimes is that the criticism can move from a focus on legal analysis to personalities, and you see . . . that it’s more directed in a personal way,” Roberts said. “And that, frankly, can be quite dangerous.” He added: “Judges around the country work very hard to get it right. And if they don’t, their opinions are subject to criticism. But personally directed hostility is dangerous and it’s got to stop.”

PwC UK plans to hire more graduates

PwC plans to increase the number of graduates it takes on next year. UK boss Marco Amitrano said the consultancy had cut back on new graduate roles last year due to the flagging economy, not AI. Critiquing notions that younger workers are a "snowflake" generation, Amitrano said new hires to PwC had struck him as eager to learn and earn. "I don't see a new wave of young people coming into organisations wanting to work from home, being more vulnerable, more fragile. I don't see that," he said. "What I'm finding from our new joiners is that they want to be in the office, or on the client side, as often as they can be, because they're hungry."

BBC News

Singapore firms hope humanoid robots can ease worker crunch

In Singapore, businesses are becoming increasingly interested in deploying humanoid robots to address manpower shortages. In a 2025 global survey, marketing research firm Forrester found that 69% of decision-makers said they were adopting or planning to adopt humanoid robots, with respondents also reporting that when robots were used in repetitive, tedious and time-consuming workflows, they cut processing errors by 40% and labour costs by 20%. Tung Meng Fai, executive director of Singapore's National Robotics Programme (NRP), said that although costs are falling fast, robots remain significant investments. “It's not like buying a laptop or tablet . . . you also require engineers or technicians to maintain the robots,” he said.

Straits Times

China approves 'ethnic unity' law requiring minorities to learn Mandarin

China has approved a new law which Beijing claims will help promote "ethnic unity" - but critics say it will further erode the rights of minority groups. The law mandates that all children should be taught Mandarin before kindergarten and up until the end of high school. Previously, students could study most of the curriculum in their native language such as Tibetan, Uyghur or Mongolian. "The law is consistent with a dramatic recent policy shift, to suppress the ethnic diversity formally recognised since 1949," Magnus Fiskesjö, an associate professor of anthropology at Cornell University, said. "The children of the next generation are now isolated and brutally forced to forget their own language and culture." The law aims to promote integration across ethnic groups through education, housing, migration, community life, culture, tourism, and development policy.

New York Times

Reuters

BBC News

OTHER

UAE extends distance learning after spring break

The UAE has announced a two-week extension of distance learning for schools and higher education institutions following the spring break. The decision is part of three measures aimed at ensuring student safety and educational continuity. The Ministry of Education said that the decision applies to all students and staff across public and private schools. Additionally, flexible remote work arrangements have been introduced for caregivers in federal ministries. Authorities will review the situation weekly and communicate updates through official channels to maintain safety for students and staff.

Khaleej Times Online

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