Human Times

Middle East Edition

3rd June 2026

THE HOT STORY

UAE firms scramble for payroll compliance

UAE private sector employers are rapidly adjusting their payroll processes to meet new salary payment requirements, resulting in a 151% increase in salary processing volumes through the Wage Protection System (WPS) on June 1. This surge follows the implementation of Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026, mandating that all registered establishments pay employee wages via WPS by the first day of each month. Ali Al Najjar, chief executive of Al Ansari Exchange, said: "The implementation of the Ministerial Resolution represents an important step in advancing the UAE's labour market ecosystem." The changes aim to enhance compliance and standardise salary disbursement timelines.

REMUNERATION

Nvidia CEO advocates for higher wages

Jensen Huang, chief executive of Nvidia, stated that companies should pay their workers "as much as possible". His comments came during a news conference in Taipei, where he addressed the recent Samsung Electronics union agreement that averted a strike. Huang noted that while he pays his employees well, he does not claim to have all the answers. The AI boom has significantly increased Nvidia's stock value, making many employees wealthy. Huang is set to visit South Korea to discuss robotics and AI with major firms, while Nvidia continues to invest heavily in Taiwan's tech ecosystem.

The Peninsula

REMOTE WORKING

Remote work fuels youth unemployment surge

Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals that the rise of remote work accounts for 64% of the increase in youth unemployment. The unemployment rate for young college graduates rose to 5.6% in March 2026, up from 3.6% in March 2019. The economists noted: "Employers may not want to hire fresh graduates onto distributed teams because it is more difficult to teach them the requisite skills from afar." The study highlights that while artificial intelligence's impact on entry-level jobs is often discussed, remote work has likely had a more significant effect. The authors emphasized that remote work has weakened incentives to hire young workers by impeding on-the-job training, leading to fewer inexperienced hires during the pandemic. They warned that "the high unemployment rates of young college graduates are particularly concerning because early-career experiences can have lasting consequences."

The Baltimore Sun

CNBC

NPR / National Public Radio

INVESTMENT

New factories boost Karak's economy

Jordan Prime Minister Jafar Hassan has inaugurated six new factories by Jinsheng International in Karak, aiming to enhance the local economy. The initiative is expected to create 700 jobs and designate the industrial complex as a development zone to attract further investment. Hassan emphasised the government's commitment to supporting investors with incentives and administrative facilitation. Jinsheng International has invested approximately $830m in Jordan since 2022 and plans to create 2,000 jobs over the next three years. Wu Jianbo, chief executive of Jinsheng, noted Jordan's appealing investment environment due to its stability and government support.

Zawya EN

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Qatar launches heat stress awareness campaign

The Ministry of Labour in Qatar launched a heat stress awareness campaign on June 1, 2026, to protect workers during summer. The initiative aligns with Ministerial Decision No. (17) of 2021, which prohibits outdoor work from 10am to 3:30pm. Saad Rashid Al Nabit, Assistant Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Department, said: "The campaign aims to educate employers and workers on preventive measures." The Ministry will monitor compliance through inspections and enforce penalties for violations. Employers must provide safe working conditions, including shaded areas and cold drinking water, to ensure worker safety.

The Peninsula

WORKPLACE

Deadline looms for parent-friendly label

The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) is inviting applications for Cycle 4 of the Parent-friendly Label (PFL) until July 31 2026. This UAE-wide initiative recognises organisations that create supportive environments for parents of young children. The fourth cycle includes a pilot phase for government entities, aiming to enhance family-focused workplace culture. Since its launch in 2021, the PFL has positively impacted over 1m employees globally. "Parent-friendly workplace policies drive stronger employee retention," said the second Impact Report, highlighting the benefits of supportive work environments.

Zawya EN

SUSTAINABILITY

Accountants seek impactful careers

ACCA's Global Talent Trends survey reveals a shift among accountants in the Middle East towards socially impactful careers. Over one-third of respondents believe their roles address environmental issues, with 74% desiring future positions that contribute to social impact. Entrepreneurial ambitions are strong, with 72% aspiring to start their own businesses. While confidence in developing AI skills is high at 79%, concerns about AI's impact on jobs persist. Kush Ahuja, ACCA's Head of Middle East and Eurasia, noted: "The findings reflect a profession in transformation across the Middle East."

Zawya EN

KIPCO's sustainability report shows progress

Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) (KIPCO) has published its fifth sustainability report, showcasing advancements in sustainability integration and ESG governance across its diverse portfolio. The report, prepared under Global Reporting Initiative standards, aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Kuwait Vision 2035.

Zawya EN

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Empowering women in real estate

VIEW, an initiative by Knight Frank, aims to empower women in the real estate sector across the Middle East. Launched in Riyadh, it focuses on mentorship, networking, and professional connections. Susan Amawi, General Manager of Knight Frank Saudi Arabia, said: “VIEW is about unlocking potential for women, for our industry, and for society as a whole.” The initiative coincides with a rise in female workforce participation in Saudi Arabia, which has increased from 17% in 2016 to over 36% in 2024. The programme includes mentorship cohorts to foster learning and confidence among women in the industry.

Zawya EN

Empowering Saudi women in the workplace

Elsewedy Electric Group is committed to empowering Saudi women, who currently make up about 6.5% of its workforce in the Kingdom. The Group believes in the vital role of women in achieving sustainable development and enhancing workplace diversity. Ms. Sarah Naji from the Human Resources Department said: “The Group is currently working to attract female talent in engineering and technical fields.” Elsewedy Electric aims to create a supportive work environment with flexible hours and comprehensive benefits, while also focusing on developing female leaders for future roles in various sectors.

Zawya EN

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

New program bridges gap for students

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar has launched an Academic Bridging Program to help humanities-track secondary school graduates transition into scientific and technical disciplines. Saleh Al Muftah, a Career Guidance and Professional Development Consultant, said the initiative aims to align students' talents with labour market needs. Eligible students must complete a one-year programme and achieve a required GPA to qualify for scientific specialisations. Al Muftah noted that the revised scholarship framework identifies student strengths early, guiding them towards suitable career paths and expanding scholarship options in various fields.

The Peninsula

Coaching week boosts resilience in Qatar

The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar hosted several events for International Coaching Week, focusing on the theme: “Adapt – Evolve – Thrive: Coaching for Resilience in a Changing World.” Ghanim Ibrahim Al Mohannadi, director of the Human Resources Department, emphasised the importance of building resilient organisations and capable leaders. The Ministry's coaching programme, which began in 2018–2019, includes 28 internal coaching specialists. Participants received accredited Continuing Coach Education hours, and Pro Bono Coaching Sessions were offered to support personal and professional development.

The Peninsula

TECHNOLOGY

ZoomMate: The future of work

Zoom has launched ZoomMate, an AI-driven work surface designed to streamline workflows by connecting workplace conversations to execution. The tool integrates with platforms like Salesforce, Jira, and Slack, allowing users to search for relevant information and automate tasks without switching applications. Russell Dicker, chief product officer at Zoom, noted: "ZoomMate connects what was decided to what needs to happen next." The tool aims to reduce friction in fragmented workflows, enabling teams to turn discussions into actionable deliverables efficiently. ZoomMate is available for North American customers, starting at £20 per user per month.

Zawya EN

INTERNATIONAL

U.S.job openings soar despite uncertainty

In April, U.S. job openings increased to 7.6m, up from 6.9m in March, according to the Labor Department. The rise marks the highest level since May 2024, surpassing economists' expectations of 6.8m. Layoffs decreased, indicating confidence among workers, although fewer Americans are quitting their jobs. The job market has improved since a weak 2025, with an average growth of 76,000 jobs per month from January to April. However, the need for new jobs has diminished due to demographic changes and policy impacts, as noted in an April report by Federal Reserve economists Seth Murray and Ivan Vidangos.

The Globe and Mail

Africa's growth potential shines bright

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty highlighted Africa's vast growth potential during the Korea-Africa Ministerial Meeting. He emphasised the need for enhanced cooperation in infrastructure, technology, and food security. Abdelatty called for reforms in the international financial system to support African development. He reiterated Egypt's commitment to triangular cooperation with South Korea and discussed opportunities for collaboration in various sectors, including agriculture and energy. He also addressed regional issues, advocating for dialogue to maintain stability. Abdelatty invited South Korean and African companies to the upcoming “Alamein-Africa” Business Forum to strengthen trade partnerships.

Zawya EN

AND FINALLY...

Carrymen: the shopping assistants you need

CarryMen, a new start-up in Delhi, offers shopping assistants to help customers navigate crowded markets. Founded by Ritu Kandari Srivastava and Kanishka Malhotra, the service provides assistance for up to four hours, starting at 79 rupees. While many customers appreciate the convenience, critics argue it reflects entitlement among the affluent. Ritu stated: "We are just providing assistance to those who have difficulty navigating the streets." The service has gained traction, with plans for expansion to other markets in India.

BBC News

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