THE HOT STORY

Saudi Arabia appoints new investment minister

Saudi Arabia has appointed Fahad Al-Saif as its new investment minister. He replaces Khalid Al-Falih, who served in the role since 2020 and will remain in the cabinet as Minister of State. Bloomberg says the change - which was announced as part of a broader reshuffle that affected dozens of roles - comes at a critical time for the Kingdom as it reviews its policies and spending priorities amid broader fiscal pressures.

Financial Times

Saudi Gazette

Bloomberg

LEGAL

Private sector feedback invited on UAE's updated wage protection system

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is seeking feedback from private sector professionals on the updated Wage Protection System. Stakeholders can submit their proposals until 30 April 2026 via the “Sharek. Emirates” platform. The initiative aims to enhance salary payment mechanisms and improve labour market transparency. The upgraded system, which covers over 99% of private sector workers, facilitates faster payments and reduces disputes. MoHRE noted that the reforms align with international best practices and support the UAE's digital transformation agenda.

Gulfnews.com

WORKFORCE

Saudi Arabia achieves 92% of Labor Market Strategy targets

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi has announced that the Saudi labour market has achieved 92% of its objectives under the Labour Market Strategy. He highlighted that 2.5m Saudis are now employed in the private sector, with over 430,000 benefiting from self-employment initiatives. The “Wa'ad” campaign has launched 4.5m training opportunities, with 2m completed. The Social Development Bank has supported over 130,000 beneficiaries with a total of SR8.5bn.

Saudi Gazette

Zawya EN

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Ajman embraces remote work for government employees during Ramadan

Ajman has mandated 100% remote work for government employees on Fridays during the holy month. This year has been designated as the 'Year of the Family' , and the initiative aims to enhance work-life balance.

Gulfnews.com

Khaleej Times Online

HIRING

QIB simplifies account opening for workers

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has upgraded its Wages Protection System (WPS) Portal, streamlining the account opening process for employers and workers. Employers can now submit worker details digitally, reducing paperwork and speeding up onboarding. Workers receive an SMS to download the QIB Lite App, allowing them to verify their identity and activate their accounts. D Anand, QIB general manager – Personal Banking Group, said: “Enabling workers to verify their identity, activate their accounts, and access banking services digitally supports our financial inclusion goals.” This enhancement aims to improve operational efficiency and compliance with Qatar's WPS requirements.

Gulf Times

TAX

UAE exempts non-commercial sports entities from corporate tax

The UAE's Ministry of Finance has introduced a new Cabinet decision exempting certain non-commercial sports entities from corporate tax. The initiative aims to foster sustainable growth in the sports sector and enhance the UAE's status as a global sports hub. Eligible entities must focus on promoting or managing sports at international or regional levels and be recognised by the Ministry of Sports. The decision includes strict conditions to prevent misuse of funds, ensuring that income is used solely for sporting objectives. Sports entities must apply to the Federal Tax Authority to qualify for the exemption.

Gulfnews.com

INTERNATIONAL

Nike prepares Converse for layoffs as sales slide toward 15-year low

Nike has warned staff at its Converse brand to brace for job cuts and restructuring as sales continue to deteriorate, with revenues heading toward a 15-year low. Converse employees have been told to work from home ahead of the changes, which chief executive Aaron Cain said would involve “difficult decisions” and the departure of multiple senior executives, though no details were given on the scale of the layoffs. The brand has struggled to diversify beyond its flagship Chuck Taylor shoes, while broader weakness in China has added pressure on Nike’s results. The restructuring forms part of wider efforts under Nike chief executive Elliott Hill to stabilise the group after several quarters of declining sales.

Bloomberg

The Oregonian

Tesla files complaint against union member for secret recording

Tesla has filed a criminal complaint against a member of Germany's IG Metall labour union for secretly recording a works council meeting, according to a memo to staff seen by Reuters. The external IG Metall member at the meeting on Tuesday had attended as a guest and then started recording with his computer, Andre Thierig, manager of Tesla's Gruenheide plant near Berlin, said in the memo. IG Metall has said that management favours more obedient labour representation.

Reuters

'AI jolts' are coming for Singapore's workers

Dr Anthony Klotz, an organisational psychologist, has warned that Singapore's white-collar workers may face "AI jolts" as artificial intelligence advances. He predicts that within five years, AI could replace 20% of current job functions. Klotz noted that this creates anxiety among workers, who are aware of impending changes. He emphasised the importance of adapting to these shifts, suggesting that younger workers should broaden their career prospects and engage in side projects. Klotz's upcoming book, "Jolted: Why We Quit, When To Stay, And Why It Matters," explores the impact of sudden career changes.

Straits Times

Amazon logistical centres in Italy are inspected

The Italian Data Protection Authority and the National Labour Inspectorate have launched a joint oversight initiative targeting Amazon logistical centres. "The activity," a statement explains, "arises from technical investigations initiated in response to press reports that highlighted potential critical issues in the acquisition and processing of workers' personal data and the use of video surveillance systems in the absence of the guarantees required by the Workers' Statute. The intervention concerns the main logistics hubs, specifically the Passo Corese and Castel San Giovanni centres."

ANSA.it

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