THE HOT STORY

Women returning to Afghanistan seek rare private sector jobs

More than 6m Afghans have been pushed back to their home country from neighbours such as Iran and Pakistan in what the United Nations has called one of the largest population repatriation movements globally. Job opportunities are rare, particularly for women who also face restrictions from Taliban authorities. Projects backed by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) offer an economic lifeline for Afghan women who have found work weaving carpets or in other factories. Both agencies are partnering with businesses in what could be a launching pad for finding longer term solutions. "The approach we have here is really . . . going immediately into the logic of a longer-term perspective and going outside of the immediate short-term," said UNDP head Alexander De Croo.

France 24

WORKFORCE

AI skills can earn UAE workers up to 92% higher salaries

AI skills are transforming the UAE job market, leading to significant salary increases, according to PwC's 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer. The report reveals that professionals with AI capabilities can earn up to 92% more in financial services and 50% more in technology, media, and telecoms. The demand for AI skills has surged, with job postings requiring these skills tripling from 1% in 2021 to 3.2% in 2025. PwC noted that AI is reshaping roles across various sectors, making AI proficiency essential for employability in the evolving job landscape.

Gulfnews.com

Khaleej Times Online

LEGAL

More than 2,000 Omani jobs were protected in 2025

In 2025, the General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) reported that over 2,000 Omani jobs were safeguarded after the labour committee rejected numerous requests for collective redundancies. The committee examined 120 applications, denying 87 and preventing the dismissal of 2,035 Omani workers. While five requests for temporary wage reductions were approved, the federation provided 497 legal consultations and represented workers in 144 cases, achieving successful outcomes in 116 cases. The number of registered labour unions rose to 340, reflecting increased participation in collective labour representation, which bolstered job security and workplace protections.

Zawya EN

HIRING

Hiring in UAE for salaries under Dh10,000 drops 26%

The Naukrigulf Hiring Index indicates a 23% decline in overall hiring in the UAE during April-May 2026, primarily due to the regional military conflict. Jobs with salaries of up to Dh10,000 saw the steepest drop at 26%. However, technology roles fared better, with IT jobs down only 6% and specific tech roles dropping just 3%. Notably, positions in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity grew by around 20%. Sharad Sindhwani, EVP at Naukrigulf, observed: "While overall activity softened compared to last year, several segments continued to attract employer demand."

Khaleej Times Online

CYBERSECURITY

UNHRC adopts Saudi-led resolution on women in cybersecurity

The United Nations Human Rights Council has unanimously adopted a resolution led by Saudi Arabia to enhance women's roles in cybersecurity. The initiative, part of the "Empowering Women in Cybersecurity" programme launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to promote women's participation, skill development, and career advancement in the sector. Saudi Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila said the resolution reflects the kingdom's commitment to international cooperation and capacity building. The International Cybersecurity Forum Foundation will oversee the implementation of the initiative.

Saudi Gazette

SUSTAINABILITY

Expo City Dubai issues UAE's first green licences

Expo City Dubai has introduced the Expo Green Licence, with the aim of fostering sustainable innovation within the UAE's first Green Innovation District. Six businesses, including AirJoule and WAT, received the inaugural licences, which provide exclusive benefits to sustainability-focused enterprises. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, emphasised the importance of attracting innovative talent to achieve environmental and economic goals. The licence supports both established companies and small enterprises, offering a comprehensive support package valued at over AED400,000. The initiative aligns with the UAE's vision for a sustainable future and economic diversification.

Zawya EN

Gulfnews.com

INTERNATIONAL

Iran war is a boon for UK consultants

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is boosting demand for British consultants, who are assisting clients in securing energy supplies and diversifying supply chains. Tamzen Isacsson, chief executive of the Management Consultancies Association (MCA), said business leaders were keen to restart projects in other areas. "There is a bit of crisis fatigue," she said. "Many [companies] are thinking, 'We just need to get on with our business.' Clients can't just stop and hope things will calm down because I think this is the new normal. There are all of the critical digital upgrades, for example, that companies just cannot keep putting off." The MCA reported a 3% increase in revenue to £21.8bn in 2024, with expectations of a further 6% rise this year. Despite seeing a recovery, the sector has not returned to pre-pandemic growth levels.

The Times

AGs oppose plan to impose tariffs on forced labour concerns

A group of Democratic state attorneys general has said the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs of up to 12.5% on 59 countries and the European ‌Union, amid claims they failed to curb trade in goods made with forced labour, are unlawful. A letter signed by the AGs said the levies will make goods more expensive "and will continue the economic devastation that prior tariffs have caused." The U.S. Trade Representative's Office (USTR) is set for a three-day public hearing on the proposed tariffs of 10% on 16 economies, including the European Union, and 12.5% on 44 other countries. The USTR is abusing its authority under "Section 301" in a bid "to paper over ‌the ⁠administration’s predetermined sweeping tariffs on nearly all imports to the United States," said the AGs of states including Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, Virginia, Colorado, North Carolina, New York and New Jersey.

Reuters

Fortescue served with class action alleging sexual harassment, discrimination

Australian iron-ore mining company Fortescue has been served with a class action ‌on ⁠behalf of current and former female ⁠employees alleging sexual harassment ⁠and sex ⁠discrimination. The suit was filed by law firm JGA Saddler, which also launched similar class action lawsuits against Rio Tinto and BHP in late 2024. "Time and time again, women are telling us that ⁠they don't feel safe at the Fortescue mine sites," JGA Saddler litigator Paris Hamrey said. "Women are telling us that they can't do their daily washing because their underwear is being stolen from the public laundries, they can't go to the gym because men are touching them inappropriately or following them back to their room."

Mining Weekly

Reuters

Amazon to act against India delivery partner after fatal warehouse fire investigation

Amazon has said it will take "appropriate action" against M&M Logistics Solutions, a third-party delivery partner in India, once a police investigation into a warehouse fire that killed two workers is complete, while also launching its own internal probe. Authorities are investigating allegations that the facility lacked essential fire safety measures, including fire clearance, alarms and emergency exits. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of workplace safety standards across Amazon's Indian logistics network.

Reuters

OTHER

Dior scores high-profile win by designing Taylor Swift's wedding dress

Christian Dior has secured one of fashion's most coveted celebrity commissions after Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wore haute couture designs by the French luxury house for their wedding in New York. The outfits were created by Dior creative director Jonathan Anderson, marking a major endorsement for the designer just a year into his tenure and giving LVMH-owned Dior a marketing boost in its rivalry with Chanel. Although no official photographs from the ceremony have been released, industry observers believe the commission will provide Dior with unparalleled global exposure through Swift's vast fanbase at a time when luxury brands are grappling with weaker consumer demand. The win comes shortly after Chanel dressed singer Dua Lipa for her wedding, highlighting the growing competition between leading fashion houses to secure high-profile celebrity bridal commissions.

Reuters

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