THE HOT STORY

Saudi Arabia and UAE drive Middle East CEO confidence

Chief executives in the Middle East are increasingly confident about deploying artificial intelligence responsibly, according to KPMG's latest regional outlook. The report reveals that 88% of Saudi CEOs are optimistic about growth prospects, driven by Vision 2030 reforms and digital transformation. Abdullah Al-Fozan, CEO of KPMG Middle East, noted that business leaders are investing in technology and governance. The study also highlights that 84% of Saudi CEOs feel prepared to implement AI, surpassing the global average of 76%. In the UAE, 84% of CEOs express confidence in economic growth, with a strong focus on AI integration and workforce development.

Arab News

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

UAE employees are registering for Gen AI courses

An increasing number of UAE employees are registering for Gen AI courses to progress in their professional careers. Industry executives say that companies are also spending heavily on upskilling their employees' AI skills to align them with the evolving needs of the workplace due to new technologies. “One of the big trends that we're certainly seeing, and this is true both in the UAE and across the Gulf and really around the world, is the incredible interest in Gen AI. So far this year, we are seeing an average globally of 14 enrollments per minute in Gen AI content, up from eight per minute a year ago and one per minute in 2023. Interest just continues to really skyrocket in Gen AI content, and that's true, certainly, also here in the UAE. We've 131,000 enrollments in Gen AI-related content in the UAE. That's more than doubled over the past year, coming from learners here in the UAE,” said Greg Hart, Global CEO of online course provider Coursera.

Khaleej Times Online

WORKFORCE

Unemployment dips in Jordan

The Department of Statistics (DoS) has reported that Jordan's overall unemployment rate fell to 16.2% in the third quarter of 2025, down from 16.3% a year earlier. Male unemployment decreased to 13.6%, the lowest since 2017, while female unemployment rose to 27%. Among Jordanians, the unemployment rate was 21.4%, with male unemployment at 18% and female at 33.9%. The DoS noted that unemployment among Jordanians has decreased by 1.7 points since the third quarter of 2022. The economic participation rate also fell to 40.5%, with significant educational disparities between genders.

Zawya EN

STRATEGY

Omnicom to cut 4,000 jobs in IPG takeover

Omnicom will cut more than 4,000 jobs and fold several well-known advertising agency brands as part of an immediate restructuring following the completion of its $13bn takeover of US rival Interpublic (IPG). Reuters notes that the ad industry is under threat as artificial intelligence reshapes creative production and tech giants such as Meta make it easier for businesses to develop ads at scale and speed. IPG laid off about 3,200 employees in the first nine months of 2025, and Omnicom last year reduced its staff by 3,000 to about 75,000. "Advertising and technology sectors are undergoing contraction now. It's a tough job market. This announcement makes the market even more crowded," observed eMarketer analyst Ross Benes.

Ad Age

Financial Times

Reuters

LEGAL

Stepping up enforcement of Omanisation targets

The Directorate General of Labour in North Al Batinah is intensifying its enforcement of Omanisation targets and labour law compliance. Dr. Ahmed bin Salim Al Hajri, the directorate's general director, speaking to Times of Oman, noted a gradual improvement in compliance, particularly in the service and industrial sectors. However, he acknowledged that some institutions still require corrective actions. The directorate employs a multi-level monitoring system, including field inspections and specialised units, to ensure adherence to labour laws. Digital services have improved public service delivery, allowing citizens and employers to complete transactions online efficiently. Al Hajri emphasised the importance of awareness and guidance in achieving compliance.

TimesofOman

TECHNOLOGY

UAE launches $1bn 'AI for Development' initiative

The UAE has announced the launch of the $1bn 'AI for Development' initiative to support and finance artificial intelligence projects in African countries. The initiative aims to advance economic and social development across the continent by developing digital infrastructure, enhancing government services and improving productivity. The announcement was made during the speech delivered by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at the G20 summit, where he reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to driving sustainable growth through broader international partnerships and innovative financing solutions that support development in emerging economies.

Zawya EN

INTERNATIONAL

Accounting firm looks to place trainees on secondments in hospitality

London-headquartered accountancy firm Azets plans to enhance the skillsets of its trainee accountants by collaborating with the UK's hospitality sector, and is in talks about securing secondments for them. Chief executive Peter Gallanagh has emphasised the need for accountants to develop soft skills as technology and AI reshape the profession. He said: "Historically, the focus was on financial accuracy and compliance. I'm not saying we lose any of that, but that's now being done by AI and automation." He added: "Many accountants like to be in front of their computer or locked up in a room . . . they can't be like that. They need to be front of house." At a time when other UK accountancy firms have reduced their graduate intake - KPMG, EY, PwC and Deloitte have all cut back over the last two years - Azets increased its intake by 15% in 2025, hiring 384 graduates.

The Times

Singapore is top for talent

Singapore has secured the top position in the 2025 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), surpassing Switzerland in second place. The index highlights Singapore's strength in generalist adaptive skills, supported by a workforce proficient in soft skills and digital literacy. The US fell from 3rd to 9th place. Professor Felipe Monteiro of INSEAD noted that Singapore's robust talent ecosystem fosters adaptability and growth. He observed: "No country, however strong, is immune to disruption in the race for talent." The GTCI assessed 135 economies across various indicators.

Business Times SG

Straits Times

Netherlands advised to hire workers from emerging countries

The Netherlands must recruit workers from emerging countries such as Indonesia and Nigeria to avert an economic downturn, according to the government advisory body WRR. With over 50% of the Dutch population aged 50 or older, many sectors are struggling to find staff. “Our prosperity depends on having sufficient workers from other countries,” WRR researcher Gijsbert Werner said. “We need people. Who else is going to build the 100,000 homes a year that we need? The goods we buy also largely come from other countries, and manufacturers here use semi-finished goods from abroad.”

DutchNews.nl

India gets to grips with biggest labour law shake-up in decades

Indian businesses and states are rushing to adapt to the sudden introduction of what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed as one of the country's biggest-ever overhauls of labour rules.

Financial Times

OTHER

Algerian Nutella rival booms amid France trade row

Algerian food group Cebon has expanded daily production of its hazelnut spread El Mordjene hazelnut spread tenfold to 80 tonnes following viral social media success, doubling its workforce to 700, despite a 2024 French and EU import ban linked to political tensions. The Algerian firm is now targeting Gulf markets and has raised prices by nearly 15% due to surging Turkish hazelnut import costs.

Bloomberg

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