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Middle East Edition
24th March 2026
 
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THE HOT STORY

AI users fear unreliability of chatbots

Interviews with more than 80,000 users of Anthropic’s Claude chatbot across 159 countries provide one of the most detailed snapshots yet of how people use AI. The report found that AI in the workplace to automate tasks was one of the biggest use cases of the technology, although some people said they feared they would lose cognitive abilities in the process. Nearly half of lawyers interviewed said they had encountered AI unreliability firsthand, but they also reported the highest rates of realised decision-making benefits of any profession. Over a quarter (27%) of respondents said they were concerned about AI making poor or incorrect decisions, and 22% said they were fearful about the technology's impact on jobs and the economy.  Users in North America, Western Europe and Oceania were worried more about governance gaps, regulatory failure, and surveillance; those in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South Asia were much more positive about AI.
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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Employees try ‘microshifting’ to reclaim their personal lives

So-called "microshifting" is seeking to transform traditional work schedules by enabling employees to manage their time in short, productive bursts. This flexible scheduling method is gaining traction because it prioritises work-life balance, while experts such as Kevin Rockmann, a professor of management at George Mason University's Costello College of Business, also observe that such autonomy in scheduling can enhance motivation and productivity. However, while microshifting can improve personal relationships, it is feared that it could strain professional ones, because it prioritises individual needs over team collaboration. Effective teams are committed to working together collaboratively, but "the whole idea of microshifting is taking care of yourself,” Rockmann says. “It's not that taking care of yourself is bad. It places the emphasis on the individual, not the relationships.”
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HIRING

OpenAI to nearly double workforce to 8,000 by end- of 2026

Artificial intelligence start-up OpenAI plans to nearly ​double its workforce to 8,000 ‌from 4,500 by the end of 2026, the Financial Times has reported, ​citing two people with knowledge of ​the matter. The maker of ChatGPT is ​also increasing recruitment of specialists focused on "technical ambassadorship," ‌to help businesses make better use of its tools, the report added. The hiring plans come amid a race with competitors including Anthropic and Microsoft to woo corporate customers using AI as coding assistants.
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WORKPLACE

UAE urges firms to protect workers amid unstable weather

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has urged private sector companies in the UAE to enhance workplace safety amid adverse weather conditions. The ministry emphasised that worker health and safety is crucial, especially at outdoor sites. Companies are advised to implement remote or flexible working arrangements and ensure access to personal protective equipment. MoHRE praised businesses for promoting safe environments and raising awareness about safety during emergencies. The ministry is coordinating with authorities to provide guidance and enforce occupational health and safety standards, with campaigns to reinforce compliance.
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LEGAL

NMC Health founder faces fraud trial

A $5.4bn fraud trial against Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty, founder of NMC Health, and Prasanth Manghat, its former chief executive, starts in Abu Dhabi this week. The claim, filed by Alvarez & Marsal, alleges that Mr Shetty and Mr Manghat defrauded the company, with Bank of Baroda accused of complicity. Alvarez & Marsal was appointed as administrators in 2020 after NMC was hit by a report from Muddy Waters Research which highlighted accounting and governance issues. The administrators reached a confidential settlement with EY, NMC's former auditor, in a £2bn claim at the High Court in London earlier this year.
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INTERNATIONAL

India investigates fragrance giants over deals not to poach workers

India's Competition Commission is investigating Givaudan, Firmenich, and International Flavours Fragrances for alleged anti-poaching agreements that restrict employee hiring. The investigation began after a company reported the issue under a leniency programme. The watchdog reviewed over 30 emails, revealing a "gentlemen's agreement" among the firms to avoid hiring from one other. The case marks India's first investigation into labour practices in the fragrance industry. The CCI said it aims to prevent labour exploitation and ensure competitive remuneration, and there could be potential penalties for the companies involved. "Such coordination is stated to have taken place since 2002," the CCI said.

ABC staff to walk off the job

Thousands of ABC staff are set to strike on Wednesday after pay negotiations failed. Deena Amorelli, ABC's chief people officer, informed staff that only 40% supported the new pay agreement in a vote. The walkout is scheduled for 11am, which will disrupt live broadcasts and delay TV show recordings. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) represent the Australian broadcaster's staff. The strike marks the first significant action since a 24-hour walkout in 2006.

World Bank bars PwC subsidiaries amid fraud concerns

The World Bank has suspended PwC subsidiaries in Mauritius, Kenya and Rwanda from providing professional services for projects it finances for 21 months. The move follows findings of "collusive and fraudulent practices" related to a high-voltage electricity transmission project between Kenya and Ethiopia. The World Bank said that the units improperly influenced consultancy service awards by obtaining confidential procurement information from project officials in 2019.

‘Fake workers’ from North Korea use AI to exploit European companies

Cyber experts warn that a “mini army” of North Korean IT operatives is increasingly using AI to pose as workers, secure jobs and earn wages at some of Europe’s biggest companies.
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OTHER

Middle East conflict triggers parental strife over access to children

Estranged parents are using the Gulf war in an “opportunistic” way to keep their children with them, citing the danger of travelling into or out of the region, lawyers say.
 
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