Human Times

Middle East Edition

6th February 2026

THE HOT STORY

Record employment boost in Saudi

The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) reported significant achievements in employment and training support for 2025. The fund facilitated the employment of over 562,000 Saudi citizens in the private sector, marking a 29% increase from 2024. Total spending on training and mentorship exceeded SR8.29bn, benefiting more than 2m citizens. HRDF Director General Turki Al-Jawini stated: "The continuous growth in the number of beneficiaries reflects the success of the fund's strategic transformation." The number of establishments benefiting from HRDF services rose to over 226,000, with small and medium enterprises making up 94%.

Arab News

REMUNERATION

Job switch frenzy in UAE

In 2025, 82% of employers in the UAE did not raise salaries, leading to a significant trend among employees seeking better remuneration. A study by Fletcher Piccolo Associates revealed that 98% of UAE professionals are open to new roles in 2026 to enhance their salary and career prospects. Tony Piccolo noted that changing employers has become essential for many to maintain their earning power amid rising living costs. The report also highlighted that 40% of employers are increasingly selective, preferring candidates with local experience to meet project demands.

Khaleej Times Online

ECONOMY

Qatar CEOs bullish on economic growth

According to PwC’s 29th Global CEO Survey, 97% of chief executives in Qatar anticipate economic improvement over the next year. This optimism reflects a shift towards innovation, particularly in AI. Bassam Hajhamad, Qatar Country Senior Partner at PwC Middle East, noted that CEOs are confident and focused on aligning with national development agendas. Additionally, 90% plan major acquisitions in the next three years, indicating a strong appetite for diversification. Despite geopolitical risks, 61% believe these will not impact their investment decisions, showcasing resilience in the domestic market.

Zawya EN

Trade Arabia

ENTREPRENEURS

Bahraini startups shine at web summit

The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) concluded its participation in Web Summit Qatar, held from February 1 to 4, showcasing 15 Bahraini technology startups. This event, a major global technology gathering, aimed to connect skills with job opportunities and stimulate private sector growth. Tamkeen's support aligns with its strategic priorities for 2026. Notably, partnerships were formed, including one between Unlabelled and Clemta, facilitating global expansion for entrepreneurs. Web Summit Qatar attracted over 30,000 participants, including 800 investors and 1,600 startups, making it a significant platform for innovation and collaboration in technology.

Bahrain News Agency

TECHNOLOGY

Finance leaders embrace AI

Finance teams are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence, but most are still struggling to demonstrate clear returns on their investments, according to Deloitte’s Finance Trends 2026 survey. While 63% of finance leaders say AI is fully deployed in their functions, only 21% report clear, measurable value so far, and just 14% have fully integrated AI agents into day-to-day finance operations. The gap reflects challenges moving beyond pilots, with legacy systems, unclear ROI, and data complexity slowing progress. Data privacy is also a major concern, especially given the sensitivity of financial information.

Wall Street Journal

AI and automation reshape lab leadership

International experts will convene at WHX Labs in Dubai from 10-13 February to discuss the evolution of laboratory leadership in the age of AI and automation. The session, titled “Transformational Leadership – Creating Next Gen Laboratory Leaders”, will feature speakers like Dr. Laila AbdelWareth, who emphasised the need for leaders to adapt to emerging technologies and ethical AI adoption. She stated: “Transformational leaders are those who inspire others to achieve extraordinary outcomes.” The event aims to prepare laboratory professionals for a future where AI reshapes roles and career pathways.

Zawya EN

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Empowering women: a new norm

Ameerah Altaweel, chair of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Women Leaders Network, highlighted the network's commitment to empowering women in the workforce with investments exceeding SR30bn. During a panel at the Saudi Media Forum, she noted the importance of normalising women's presence in leadership roles without empowerment labels. Dr. Maimoonah Al-Khalil stated that women's contributions are vital to institutional performance, while Zainab Abu Alsamh emphasised the need for partnerships with men to drive cultural transformation.

Zawya EN

CORPORATE

DIFC's growth soars to new heights

DIFC reported a remarkable 28% year-on-year growth in 2025, with active companies reaching 8,844. This growth reflects global confidence in Dubai as a financial hub. Active registrations rose by 2,525, a 39% increase, while revenues surged by 20% to AED2.13 bn. His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “The record-breaking results achieved by DIFC reflect the vision to solidify Dubai's position as a leading global destination for finance.” The Centre's workforce grew to 50,200, with a focus on attracting global talent and investment.

Zawya EN

LEADERSHIP

Empowering the next generation of leaders

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended the graduation of the third cohort of the Future Government Leaders Programme at the World Governments Summit 2026. He emphasised the importance of developing young Arab leaders to enhance government performance and address global challenges. "Empowering young Arab administrative leaders capable of driving positive change is the foremost duty of governments," he said. The programme, in partnership with the Arab Administrative Development Organization, graduated 29 leaders, focusing on innovative services, smart legislation, and sustainable development. Since its inception, it has graduated 100 leaders, fostering a sustainable Arab leadership network.

Emirates24

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Amazon CEO appoints new ‘shadow’ advisor

Amazon chief executive Andy Jassy has named Dharmesh Mehta, vice president of worldwide selling partner services, as his new technical or “shadow” advisor, a highly sought-after role that often leads to senior leadership positions. Mr Mehta will begin the role in March, accompanying Jassy to key meetings to gain exposure across Amazon’s businesses. As part of the change, senior vice president Amit Agarwal will assume Mehta’s marketplace responsibilities under an expanded remit. Mr Jassy himself once served as Jeff Bezos’ shadow, underscoring the role’s importance in Amazon’s leadership pipeline.

CNBC

HEALTH & SAFETY

Saudi schools shut down for safety

The Saudi Ministry of Education has revoked the licenses of 74 private schools due to regulatory violations affecting student safety and educational standards. Inspections revealed failures to renew licenses and comply with safety requirements, including the absence of a valid operating license and a Civil Defense certificate.

Zawya EN

INTERNATIONAL

AI reshapes China's job landscape

The rise of AI is transforming China's labour market, creating new roles and enhancing employee skills. Hu Pingping, an AI trainer at Xunfei Healthcare, exemplifies this shift, merging her medical expertise with AI technology. According to PwC's 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer, AI-related positions are increasing globally, with workers in this field earning a 56% wage premium. Liu Cong from iFLYTEK noted that AI is pushing the workforce towards higher-value roles. However, concerns about job displacement persist as AI technology evolves rapidly, challenging traditional career paths.

Chinadaily US Edition

Bridging the generational gap at work

In the U.S. workforce, five generations coexist, leading to diverse communication styles. Barbara Goldberg, CEO of a Florida PR firm, noted that younger employees often focus on digital trends, while older colleagues prefer traditional media. To bridge this gap, companies are implementing reverse mentoring programs, allowing younger staff to teach older colleagues about new technologies and cultural trends. For instance, Estée Lauder's programme pairs millennials and Gen Zers with baby boomers and Gen Xers. Goldberg stated: "The generational differences... are something to leverage. It's like a superpower." Such initiatives enhance collaboration and mutual respect in the workplace.

U.S. News

AND FINALLY...

From Kiss Cam to crisis comms

Kristin Cabot, the HR executive caught on a Kiss Cam during a Coldplay concert, is charging $875 per ticket for her upcoming speech titled "taking back the narrative." The incident, which occurred in April 2025, led to widespread speculation about her relationship with her married boss, Andy Byron. Cabot described the experience as public shaming, stating she felt branded with a "scarlet letter." Her speech, scheduled for April 16 at PRWeek's 2026 Crisis Comms Conference, aims to share her strategies for reclaiming her narrative, alongside PR expert Dini von Mueffling.

The Independent UK

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