Human Times
The latest business Intelligence for HR professionals and people managers everywhere
Sign UpOnline Version
Human Times Logo
Middle East Edition
14th April 2026
 
Industry Slice Icon Logo

THE HOT STORY

Former Lafarge chief sentenced to six years for financing terrorism

Former Lafarge CEO Bruno Lafont has been sentenced to six years in prison for paying €5.6m to Islamic State (IS) and other terror groups in return for allowing the company’s workers continued access to its Syrian plant. Lafarge, which is now part of the Swiss conglomerate Holcim, paid the money via its subsidiary Lafarge Cement Syria (LCS).  Seven other employees were also found guilty on terrorism charges. "These payments took the form of a genuine commercial partnership ‌with the Islamic State," said presiding Judge Isabelle Prevost-Desprez. "This method of financing terrorist organisations, and primarily IS, was essential in enabling the terrorist organisation to gain control of Syria's natural resources, allowing it to finance terrorist acts within the region and those planned abroad, particularly in Europe." 
Industry Slice Icon Logo

TECHNOLOGY

Meta builds AI version of Mark Zuckerberg to interact with staff

Meta is building an AI version of CEO Mark Zuckerberg which could offer feedback to employees in real time. Zuckerberg is personally involved in training and testing his animated AI.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

LEGAL

Saudi king issues decree appointing 218 judges

King Salman of Saudi Arabia has appointed 218 judges through a royal decree. The initiative aims to strengthen the judicial system and improve the quality of rulings. Minister of Justice Walid bin Mohammed Al-Samaani said the appointments reflect the leadership's support for judicial reforms. He noted that the changes would enhance judicial performance, accelerate litigation processes, and improve user experience.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

ECONOMY

Gulf luxury slump deepens

Sales at major luxury brands in Dubai and Abu Dhabi fell sharply in March as the Iran conflict hit one of the industry’s few recent growth markets. Reuters reports declines of 30%-50% at Mall of the Emirates, about 50% traffic drops at Dubai Mall, and roughly 10% sales declines at Abu Dhabi’s Galleria. Carole Madjo, head of luxury research at Barclays, said the Middle East “was definitely a strategic region.” With luxury demand already weak globally, investors now face added concern that any 2026 recovery could be delayed and margins pressured.
Industry Slice Icon Logo

INTERNATIONAL

IBM to pay $17m in DEI settlement

IBM has agreed to pay roughly $17m to resolve allegations of illegal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. The Department of Justice had said the company “knowingly” made “false claims” about its hiring and employment practices in its federal contracts. IBM allegedly identified “diverse” candidates for hiring or promotions, while developing race and sex demographic goals. “IBM is pleased to have resolved this matter,” an IBM spokesperson told CNN. “Our workforce strategy is driven by a single principle: having the right people with the right skills that our clients depend on.”

Advocates have questions about Singapore's new housing complex for workers

Singapore's government has opened a new housing complex for workers called the NESST Tukang Dormitory. It is the first migrant worker housing to be wholly owned by the government and aims to address issues such as hygiene and overcrowding that helped Covid spread rapidly. Advocates for workers' rights nevertheless say that such infrastructure is not keeping pace with the growth in worker numbers, and many still live in poor conditions. Ethan Guo, executive director of Singaporean nonprofit Transient Workers Count Too, said of migrant workers' general impressions of the city-state: “[They] generally have a very good impression of Singapore. They see the photos on their phone and think it’s clean and beautiful. They arrive and see what’s provided to them, and they’re shocked.”

Brazil blacklists BYD for slave labour conditions

The Brazilian Ministry of Labour and Employment has added BYD Auto do Brasil Ltda. to its "dirty list" of employers due to severe labour violations. This follows a December 2024 inspection that revealed workers were subjected to excessive hours and degrading living conditions. Inspectors found 107 passports locked away, restricting workers' access to their travel documents. Brazilian workers reported that their Chinese colleagues often worked seven days a week, with days off only granted during inspections. The ministry's actions limit BYD's access to state financing and heighten reputational risks in Brazil, its key market outside China.

Pilots' union calls strike at Lufthansa

Lufthansa pilots, represented by the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) union, announced a two-day strike starting yesterday amid ongoing salary and pension disputes. The latest action follows four previous strikes this year. The last occurred on April 10. The strike will impact flights operated by Lufthansa, CityLine, and Eurowings, as well as Lufthansa Cargo. However, flights to certain Middle Eastern destinations will remain unaffected. The UFO union reported that a recent strike led to the cancellation of 90% of flights at Lufthansa and CityLine. "The Cockpit union feels compelled to take this step after the employers' side showed no real ​willingness to reach ​a solution ⁠in several collective bargaining disputes," VC President Andreas Pinheiro said. "Despite our deliberate decision not ​to take strike action over the Easter ​holidays, ⁠no serious offers have been made."
Industry Slice Icon Logo

OTHER

Oman tree-planting drive promotes sustainability

Barceló Mussanah Resort in Oman recently organised a tree-planting drive at its on-site farm, focusing on sustainability and community involvement. David Faull, General Manager, said: "We believe that sustainability is not just a concept, but a responsibility we actively live by." The initiative featured the planting of the Omani Ghaf tree, known for its resilience in desert conditions. This tree not only provides shade but also enriches the soil and supports local biodiversity. Most staff members participated, reflecting the resort's commitment to positive environmental impact.
 
Industry SLice Logo

The Human Times is designed to help you stay ahead, spark ideas and support innovation, learning and development in your organisation.

The links under articles indicate original news sources. Some links lead directly to the source material. Others lead to paywalls where you may need a subscription. A third category are restricted by copyright rules.

For reaction and insights on any stories covered in the Human Times, join the discussion by becoming a member of our LinkedIn Group or Business Page, or follow us on X.
Follow us on FacebookFollow us on XFollow us on Linkedin

This e-mail has been sent to [[EMAIL_TO]]

Click here to unsubscribe