THE HOT STORY

Pakistani workers say UAE surveillance led to deportations

Thousands of Pakistani Shia Muslims have been deported from the UAE amid rising regional tensions. Many deportees reported being detained without explanation and sent back to Pakistan, often after years of work in the UAE. Hussain Turi, a deportee, said: "They did not tell us any reason. But we understood. Our only crime is being Shia." Community leaders estimate that up to 15,000 Shia may have been affected. Pakistan's government, however, denies claims that Gulf states are specifically targeting Shia workers. “Having gone through the details and data, it is necessary to state that all such reporting is malafide and part of vicious propaganda by vested interests,” Pakistan's interior ministry said, adding that no country- or sect-specific deportations are being carried out, including in the UAE.

Middle East Eye

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LEGAL

Saudi HR ministry detects 168,000 violations during 250,000 inspection visits

In the first quarter of 2026, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development conducted over 250,000 inspections of private sector establishments, uncovering more than 168,000 violations of Labour Law. The ministry issued around 230,000 warnings to encourage compliance and conducted nearly 132,000 inspections focused on Saudization. Additionally, 91,000 suspected cases of sham Saudization were examined, resulting in 13,509 violations. The ministry also took action against 238 social media accounts promoting unregulated domestic worker services.

Saudi Gazette

TECHNOLOGY

UAE's mid-career professionals lead AI shift

The SixthFactor UAE AI Attitudes Study 2026 reveals that professionals aged 35-44 are leading AI adoption in the UAE, with 70.9% reporting increased productivity. The study, conducted among 1,046 residents, highlights that 65.7% of UAE workers believe AI enhances their daily productivity. Himanshu Vashishtha, Founder and Global CEO of SixthFactor, observed: "The 35 to 44 cohort is this country's professional engine." Experts stress the need for organisations to focus on effective AI use and redefine performance measurement in an AI-augmented workplace, rather than merely adopting the technology.

Khaleej Times Online

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

KFH to develop specialised employee training programs

Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain (KFH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to enhance training and professional development for national talent. The partnership aims to create specialised programmes that equip employees with essential skills for the evolving banking sector. Dr. Shadi Zahran, Group CEO of KFH – Bahrain, said: "Developing human capital is fundamental to sustained success." Dr. Ahmed Al-Shaikh, CEO of BIBF, noted the importance of institutional partnerships in fostering national talent and supporting Bahrain's financial sector growth.

Zawya EN

Qatar aims to strengthen skills of government employees

The Civil Service and Government Development Bureau (CGB) in Qatar is launching workshops to enhance government employees' skills in areas including artificial intelligence and project management. In collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, these workshops aim to improve institutional performance and support sustainable development. CGB said: "These workshops come in support of efforts to develop national competencies."

The Peninsula

ECONOMY

UK nears free trade deal with Gulf states

The UK is close to finalising a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) after two years of negotiations. An agreement-in-principle is expected soon, with Jasem alBudaiwi, GCC secretary-general, visiting London this week. While it primarily benefits the luxury car and financial services sectors, the overall economic impact is modest, with a projected GDP boost of £1.6bn to £3.1bn annually by 2036.

Bloomberg

Financial Times

INTERNATIONAL

Builder uses AI to forecast heat stress hours

Singaporean building company Hwa Seng has implemented an AI system at its Pasir Ris worksite to forecast heat stress hours in advance in a bid to boost worker safety. The system alerts supervisors and recommends cooling solutions based on the Manpower Ministry's guidelines. Project director Mr Lim Eng Boon noted that the technology improves productivity and reduces manual monitoring. Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash praised Hwa Seng's proactive measures, emphasising the importance of protecting workers from heat-related illnesses. MOM has enforced heat-safety rules, taking action against 213 employers for non-compliance.

Straits Times

Starbucks cuts corporate jobs and closes offices

Starbucks is cutting 300 US corporate jobs and closing several regional support offices as part of a wider cost-cutting and restructuring programme aimed at restoring "durable, profitable growth." Offices in Atlanta, Burbank, Chicago and Dallas will close, while the company also reviews international support operations, with further job cuts possible outside the US. Starbucks said the changes would not affect its coffee shops and are intended to simplify operations and reduce costs. The company expects to pay around $120m in severance costs and reduce the value of some real estate assets by $280m. The measures come as chief executive Brian Niccol continues a turnaround strategy focused on improving store performance and profitability.

Japanese prefecture launches reward programme for tips on illegal workers

Ibaraki Prefecture has launched a programme rewarding individuals for reporting businesses that employ illegal foreign workers. The local government will seek to verify the information and, if it leads to enforcement action, the informant will receive a 10,000 yen reward. Ibaraki has the highest number of undocumented foreign workers in Japan. Critics, including local civic groups, argue that it could promote discrimination. Governor Kazuhiko Oigawa defended the programme, saying that addressing illegal hiring is a "fundamental responsibility" of the government.

Bangkok Post

OTHER

North Korean women footballers arrive in South ahead of rare match

A North Korean women's football team, Naegohyang Women's FC, arrived in South Korea on Sunday, marking their first visit in eight years. The team, consisting of 39 players and staff, was welcomed at Incheon International Airport by supporters and civic groups. Choi Young-ok, a civic group member, expressed hope for improved relations between the two countries but cautioned that "a sports match is just a sports match." The North Korean team will compete against Suwon FC Women in the Women's Asian Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday.

Deutsche Welle (EN)

France 24

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