THE HOT STORY

Oman issues package of reforms to improve work environment

The Ministry of Labour in Oman has introduced Ministerial Resolution No. 602/2025, which is aimed at improving the work permit system. The resolution extends work permit validity for non-Omani employees from 15 to 24 months and allows employers to upgrade workers' professions with minimal fees. It also provides fee exemptions for vulnerable groups and reduces recruitment fees for civil society organisations. Additionally, late renewal fines are capped at RO 500. The reforms aim to modernise the local labour system, enhance efficiency, and protect workers' rights while supporting employers.

TimesofOman

STRATEGY

US chipmaker Nvidia scouts for AI talent in Israel

Nvidia plans to expand its research and development operations in Beersheba, Israel, by moving to a new site three times larger than its current facility. The chipmaker aims to hire hundreds of employees, including engineers and developers, to support this growth. Nvidia senior vice president Amit Krig said: "The new site will serve as a professional home for hundreds of additional developers." Beersheba Mayor Ruvik Danilovich said the site's expansion will strengthen the city's position as a leading innovation centre. Nvidia's R&D activities in Israel are already its largest outside the US.

The Times of Israel

WORKFORCE

Around 400,000 authorised foreign nationals work in Iran

Around 400,000 foreign nationals are legally employed in Iran, according to Ali Baqeri from the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare. Most foreign workers are Afghan nationals. Baqeri noted that Iranian employers must obtain legal permission to hire foreign workers. Those returning to Iran can apply for a work visa online, allowing them to work for nine months before returning home for three months. All employed refugees will receive health insurance, and employers are responsible for their legal presence and safety. The International Organization for Migration has praised Iran's efforts in supporting Afghan refugees despite challenges.

Tehran Times

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Qatar's MoPH launches Certified Human Resource Professional training programme

Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has announced the launch of the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) training programme, which is based on the methodology of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Foundation. Ghanim Ibrahim al-Mohannadi, the director of the MoPH's Human Resources Department and chairperson of the Public Health Sector HR Leadership Committee, said the new programme is a qualitative leap in the development of human resources within the local health sector.

Gulf Times

The Peninsula

Multi Market boosts Bahraini talent

Multi Market has hired and trained 40 Bahraini employees as part of its commitment to enhancing local talent in line with labour market demands. The initiative aligns with the Labour Fund "Tamkeen's" 2025 strategic priorities, which aim to improve the competitiveness of Bahrainis in the private sector. The support from Tamkeen is crucial for boosting productivity and sustainability in the retail sector, which contributed 4.2% to Bahrain's GDP in Q2. Multi Market said it prioritises employing Bahraini talent to ensure high-quality service and customer satisfaction.

Bahrain News Agency

SUSTAINABILITY

Oman launches its first Global Sustainability Academy

Oman Cables Industry has launched the Global Sustainability Academy. The initiative aims to promote sustainable practices by uniting over 30,000 employees and partners. The academy will facilitate knowledge exchange and develop practical sustainability solutions to support Oman's energy sector transformation. The launch coincides with Omani Youth Day, which introduces the "Omani Young Leaders" programme to prepare future leaders in the manufacturing and energy sectors.

Trade Arabia

INTERNATIONAL

UK eyes £1.6bn GCC trade boost

UK finance minister Rachel Reeves is leading a delegation to Saudi Arabia to strengthen trade ties with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries also including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The UK government hopes to secure a deal that could add £1.6bn to the economy annually and increase wages by £600m in the long term. The UK’s trade with the Gulf is currently valued at £59bn, and the proposed deal could enhance trade by 16%. Reeves said: "Our number one priority is growth, so I am taking Britain's offer – of stability, regulatory agility and world-class expertise – directly to one of the world's most important trade and investment hubs, making that case in our national interest."

The Guardian

The Independent

Bosch prepares furlough option as chip dispute hits auto suppliers

Auto parts supplier Bosch is preparing to furlough workers at its Salzgitter plant in Germany if a trade dispute between China and the Netherlands over Dutch semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia is not resolved soon. Beijing has banned exports of Nexperia's finished products after the Netherlands took control of the company amid US concerns about risks to national security. "We are currently doing everything we can to serve our customers and avoid or minimise production restrictions," a Bosch spokesperson said, adding "We have not yet made any adjustments to working hours at our German locations, but are preparing to do so, particularly in Salzgitter."

Reuters

JPMorgan offers staff AI chatbot to help write performance reviews

JPMorgan Chase has given employees the option to use its in-house AI system to help shortcut the often painstaking process of writing the multiple performance reviews typically required by large companies.

Financial Times

OTHER

Robots steal the show at 138th Canton Fair

The 138th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, known officially as the China Import and Export Fair, this year featured a service robot zone, attracting 46 companies to showcase their latest technological advances. Notable innovations include a humanoid robot that serves drinks and a robotic dog that climbs steep slopes. Muntasar Albeshaier, a buyer from Saudi Arabia, praised the variety and quality of the robots, observing: "China has become a leading force in the robotics industry." The International Federation of Robotics reports that China had over 2m industrial robots in operation by the end of 2024.

China Daily

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