THE HOT STORY

Dubai attracts global finance talent despite regional tensions

Dubai is emerging as a leading hub for international finance, attracting 32% of early-career professionals seeking cross-border advisory roles, according to a global survey by deVere Group. Nigel Green, chief executive of deVere, noted that Dubai's appeal lies in its tax efficiency and access to global clients. The survey revealed that 63% of respondents desire international client exposure from the start, while 66% cited higher net income as a key motivation for relocating. Despite regional geopolitical tensions, only 9% of respondents indicated that these factors would deter them from moving to Dubai.

Khaleej Times Online

REMOTE WORKING

Law firms push staff to return to UAE offices as ceasefire holds

A return-to-office push by Gulf law firms has caused frustration among some lawyers who relocated to other countries at the start of the Iran conflict and face high costs to return.

Financial Times

WORKFORCE

Aid for Filipinos in UAE who lost jobs due to conflict

Filipinos in the UAE affected by job loss or pay cuts due to the Middle East conflict can apply for a one-time financial assistance of Dh730 ($200) from the Philippine government. The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai announced that the initial funding is limited to 3,271 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Applications will be processed online only, with forms available on the MWO-Dubai website and Facebook page twice a week. MWO emphasised that applicants must meet specific criteria and provide necessary documentation to qualify for the assistance.

Khaleej Times Online

WORKPLACE

Oman marks the World Day for Safety and Health at Work

Oman is today marking the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The occasion, which is held on April 28 each year, reaffirms the importance of embedding occupational safety and health concepts and strengthening the protection of workers, and is part of ongoing efforts to advance the national framework of legislation and standards in line with international best practices and guidelines issued by the International Labour Organization to create safe and healthy work environments that support sustainable development and societal well-being.

Oman Observer

Al Batinah North launches plastic-free workplace initiative

The Environment Authority has launched the "Plastic-Free Work Environment" initiative in Al Batinah North Governorate, targeting over 500 employees across five institutions. Under the guidance of Shaikh Saud bin Mohammed al Hinai, the project aims to reduce plastic use and promote sustainable practices. Project manager Safiya bint Musa al Zadjali said: "The programme will run until November, featuring awareness campaigns and practical measures." Key actions include replacing plastic bottles with reusable alternatives and conducting educational programmes on plastic's environmental impact. The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040's sustainability goals.

Oman Observer

CYBERSECURITY

International partners warn of Chinese state-sponsored botnet activity

Chinese state-sponsored hackers are using botnets of compromised IoT (Internet of Things) and SOHO (small-office home-office) devices as their cybercriminal infrastructure, according to a new 10-country joint security advisory. Security agencies including the US Department of Justice, UK National Cyber Security Centre and US National Security Agency have published a paper titled “Defending against China-nexus covert networks of compromised devices,” which says hackers are using the botnets to steal people’s data, or disrupt activities. "Anyone who is a target of China-nexus cyber actors may be impacted by the use of covert networks," the report says. "The use of covert networks of compromised devices - also known as botnets - to facilitate malicious cyber activity is not new, but China-nexus cyber actors are now using them strategically, and at scale."

Financial Times

TechRadar

LEGAL

FedEx hit by French lawsuit over 'complicity' in Gaza genocide

The French Jewish Union for Peace (UJFP) has filed a legal complaint against FedEx, accusing the company of "complicity in genocide" for allegedly transporting military components to Israel. The complaint claims that these shipments, which included parts for F-35 fighter jets, were used in operations in Gaza. FedEx France denied the allegations, saying: "We do not make international deliveries of weapons or ammunition." The UJFP's lawyer, Damia Taharraoui, noted that if the French government granted transit authorisations, it would violate international conventions, including the 1948 Convention on the Prevention of the Crime of Genocide.

Middle East Eye

INTERNATIONAL

Amazon tests ‘builder’ titles to streamline organisation

Amazon is trialling a restructuring of job titles within its Ring and Blink divisions, replacing traditional roles such as product managers with simplified titles like “builder” and “builder lead” as part of a broader effort to reduce bureaucracy and promote a more agile, innovation-focused culture. The initiative, led by senior management, aims to shift emphasis away from hierarchy and towards the scale of customer value created, aligning with a wider push across Silicon Valley to empower individuals - often supported by artificial intelligence tools - to take on broader responsibilities. However, the move has raised concerns among employees that removing established titles such as “senior” or “lead” could make career progression, pay increases and role differentiation less transparent, despite Amazon maintaining that compensation structures and promotion pathways will remain unchanged.

Reuters

New Slovak law aims to shield union leaders from dismissal

Slovakia is set to enhance protections for trade union leaders following a controversial dismissal case involving Amazon, which earlier this year dismissed the head of a newly formed union just a week after it was established. The proposed amendment to the Labour Code aims to close loopholes that allow employers to dismiss union representatives without consent. Labour Minister Erik Tomáš said: “Union leaders are there to negotiate better conditions for employees. They cannot be blackmailed by employers with threats of dismissal.” The reform would require employers to notify the national labour inspectorate before dismissing a union leader, with a tripartite commission deciding on whether the move is justified. The government also plans to remove compensation caps for wrongful dismissals.

The Slovak Spectator

Indonesia passes law to protect domestic workers

Following 20 years of discussions, Indonesia's parliament has passed a law to protect the rights of domestic workers. The legislation, first introduced in 2004, aims to provide legal recognition to the 4.2m domestic workers, predominantly women, who previously operated in an unregulated environment. Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas said: "The enactment aims to provide legal certainty for both domestic workers and employers." The law includes provisions for vocational training and prohibits child labour. Jala PRT coordinator Lita Anggraini called it a "historic" moment but noted that further education for employers is necessary.

The Peninsula

Japan to collect more from outbound travellers

Japan will increase its international departure tax from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person starting July 1, 2026. The tax, often dubbed the "Sayonara Tax," applies to all departing travellers, including foreign tourists and Japanese nationals. Infants under two and eligible transit passengers are exempt. The revenue aims to enhance tourism infrastructure and visitor services.

The Nation

OTHER

Polyester supply chain disruption raises risks for global fashion industry

The surge in oil and petrochemical prices after the Iran conflict is putting significant pressure on polyester producers across Asia, with key raw materials such as PTA and MEG rising by around 30%, forcing manufacturers in India and Bangladesh to cut output, idle capacity and consider price increases of up to 15%. This cost shock is rippling through the global apparel supply chain, where polyester accounts for nearly 60% of fibre production, affecting everything from clothing to footwear, while labour shortages and energy constraints are compounding operational challenges and reducing production volumes. Although major retailers such as Primark, H&M, and Inditex are currently shielded by forward purchasing and inventory, suppliers are beginning to pass on higher costs, raising the prospect of price increases and weaker demand if pressures persist, with industry analysts warning of potential “demand destruction” if consumers cut spending in response to rising prices.

Reuters

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