THE HOT STORY

Paid New Year holiday for UAE private sector employees

The UAE has declared Thursday, 1 January 2026, as a paid public holiday for both public and private sector employees, as announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The decision follows a circular implementing the Cabinet's approved official holidays. Additionally, Friday, 2 January 2026, will be a remote-work day for federal government employees, allowing them to balance work and family time. Employees required on-site must report to work as usual.

Khaleej Times Online

TECHNOLOGY

Revolutionary keyboard reconnects users with Arabic

Global technology group e& has launched a free keyboard designed to facilitate Arabic communication. The keyboard mirrors the “Arabizi” layout, enabling users to type Arabic letters in the same familiar positions as their English counterparts. Fares Hamad Fares, VP of digital marketing at e&, said: “We must create tools that meet people where they are.” The initiative coincides with World Arabic Language Day and aims to empower younger generations to reconnect with their language. e& says it also plans to enhance Arabic presence in AI datasets and support Arabic culture through various educational initiatives.

Zawya EN

SUSTAINABILITY

UAE celebrates sustainability leaders

The inaugural Sustainability Excellence Awards 2025, hosted by Gulf News and BeingShe, has taken place at the SEE Institute in The Sustainable City, Dubai. The event honoured around 20 organisations and individuals for their contributions to sustainability across various sectors. Dr. Habiba Al Marashi, co-founder and chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the importance of recognising sustainability leaders. Captain Pradeep Singh, Founder of Karma Developers, noted that the awards reflect a commitment to building communities aligned with the UAE's 2040 vision.

Gulfnews.com

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

HSBC axes 160-year-old management scheme in bid to cut costs

HSBC's “International Manager” programme, a legacy scheme set up to develop the next generation of the bank's executives, had been closed to new recruits in a cost-cutting effort.

Financial Times

TAX

UAE businesses face fines for e-invoicing non-compliance

The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced fines for businesses which fail to comply with the Electronic Invoicing System (EIS). Under the new Cabinet Resolution, penalties include Dh5,000 monthly for non-implementation and Dh100 per electronic invoice or credit note not issued on time, capped at Dh5,000 monthly. Additionally, businesses must notify the Federal Tax Authority of system malfunctions, incurring Dh1,000 daily for delays. This initiative aims to enhance digital transformation and tax compliance in the UAE. Officials said: "The resolution reflects the UAE government's commitment to international best practices."

Gulfnews.com

INTERNATIONAL

Starbucks strike expands as union escalates push for first labor contract

More than 3,800 Starbucks baristas across 180 stores in 130 US cities have joined a month-long strike, marking the longest work stoppage in the company’s history as Starbucks Workers United presses for a first labour agreement. The union is demanding better pay, staffing, and scheduling, while Starbucks says fewer than 1% of its 17,000 US locations have been affected and is prepared to resume talks. The strike began during the company’s Red Cup Day on November 13th and follows stalled negotiations and the rejection of a previous pay proposal.

Reuters

Petrobras workers to strike over labour disputes

Workers at Brazil's state-owned oil company, Petrobras, have announced a strike set to begin on Monday, following what they called an "insufficient" second counteroffer for a new labour agreement. The strike arises amidst ongoing negotiations concerning a retirement fund deficit and changes to employee compensation. Petrobras plans to implement contingency measures to maintain operations during the strike, emphasising that discussions are still ongoing.

Reuters

Bank of England could cut jobs in savings drive

The Bank of England is launching a voluntary layoff programme as part of a £45m savings initiative. The Bank has invited most of its 5,700 employees to apply for voluntary departures, and is aiming for 8% savings in its budget. Those who choose to leave are being offered a payout of 10% of salary multiplied by their number of years' service. The payouts will be capped at a maximum of two years' salary or £150,000, whichever is lower. Compulsory cuts may follow if voluntary resignations are insufficient. A spokesman said the Bank is "implementing a significant, multi-year transformation of our operations" and is "therefore running a mutually agreed, time-limited scheme for staff to choose to apply to leave the Bank." Trade union Unite said it will "always oppose any compulsory job losses across the financial services sector."

Financial Times

The Daily Telegraph

Daily Mail

AI threatens jobs for young professionals in Korea

AI is increasingly threatening job opportunities for younger professionals in Korea's legal, financial, and accounting sectors. A partner at a leading Korean accounting firm notes that AI can complete tasks much faster than junior accountants. This efficiency is leading to significant workforce reductions, with firms such as Samil PwC prioritising candidates with software development skills. The legal field is also seeing a decline in new hires, with a 30% drop in new lawyers at top firms. A Bank of Korea report revealed that 98.6% of youth job losses were in AI-exposed sectors, highlighting the urgent need for companies to rethink job structures.

Korea Joongang Daily

OTHER

Saudi Arabia commits to nurturing female footballing talent

Lina Al-Maeena, chair of Jeddah United Club, praised the advancements in women's football at the World Football Summit in Riyadh. The event highlighted the Female Leaders Awards and the Female Leaders Gathering, which focused on leadership and gender equity. Al-Maeena noted the rapid progress in Saudi Arabia, stating: "We have come a long way in a very short time." Experts discussed the global expansion of women's football, with Eileen Gleeson, who has worked extensively in international women's football, emphasising the need for sustainable investment in developing regions. The summit showcased Saudi Arabia's commitment to nurturing talent and building a professional women's league.

Arab News

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