THE HOT STORY

UAE launches AI and robotics project to boost labour market productivity

The UAE has launched a project to enhance labour market productivity through artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The initiative, developed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, aims to automate routine tasks and improve efficiency. Set to begin this month, the project will assess work permit applicants based on skills and qualifications.

Gulfnews.com

LEGAL

Al Fayed survivor was modern slavery victim, UK government says

The British government has formally acknowledged that a woman who was abused by Mohamed Al Fayed was a victim of modern slavery. Rachael Louw was trafficked and suffered abuse at the hands of the Egyptian-born former Harrods owner and his brother Salah. Louw, who has waived her right to anonymity, says she feels "vindication" and "validation" that her case has been recognised by the British government. Legal experts say such a decision lends credibility to witnesses in a criminal court and may have an impact on how police investigate a case.

BBC News

WORKFORCE

No ban on Filipino seafarers in conflict regions

The Philippine government has confirmed that Filipino seafarers can rotate into areas like the Persian Gulf but are allowed to refuse deployment in regions deemed risky. "We have already told the industry in a meeting that we are allowing seafarers to replace the crew," said Claire Castro, presidential communications undersecretary. Migrant Workers' Secretary Hans Cacdac emphasized that workers can decline assignments in "warlike operation areas." The advisory comes after reports of 15 Filipinos aboard two container vessels seized by Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz. The Philippines remains a leading supplier of seafarers globally.

U.S. News

WORKPLACE

Qatar's labour ministry steps up efforts to improve workplace safety

The Ministry of Labour (MoL) in Qatar has intensified its efforts to improve workplace safety and conditions. In 2025, the MoL conducted 30,628 inspections, including 20,935 worksite checks, and launched 757 awareness campaigns. The initiatives aim to enhance compliance and educate both workers and employers on safety practices. The MoL said: "Ensuring a safe and stress-free working environment is essential for enhancing productivity." The efforts align with Qatar National Vision 2030, which focuses on a sustainable labour market and improved quality of life, while also supporting the International Labour Organization's global safety campaign.

The Peninsula

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Qatar attends OECD Skills Summit in Istanbul

Qatar has participated in the OECD Skills Summit in Istanbul. The summit focused on developing skills amid rapid technological and demographic changes. Labour minister Dr Ali bin Samikh al-Marri, who chaired Qatar's delegation to the Summit, highlighted Qatar's commitment to human capital investment, aligning education with labour market needs through vocational training and private sector partnerships. He noted reforms like the Wage Protection System and efforts to enhance women's participation in the workforce. "Developing skills and empowering individuals across all stages of life" is a pressing global challenge, he said.

Gulf Times

CORPORATE

Slack sues Microsoft over Teams bundling

Salesforce-owned Slack is suing Microsoft in a UK lawsuit over alleged anticompetitive practices relating to its Teams app. A Slack spokesperson said the lawsuit was "because Microsoft's practices harmed ⁠competition, using tying and bundling of Teams to limit customer choice." A Microsoft spokesperson said the case lacks merit, adding: "Slack's lacklustre growth, compared to Zoom and Teams, was based on inferior capabilities when COVID-19 hit in 2020, and had nothing to do with Microsoft."

Reuters

INTERNATIONAL

Nationwide strike in Greece to disrupt transport today

A nationwide 24-hour strike will disrupt transport across Greece today as unions observe International Workers' Day. The Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) has organised the strike, which affects all vessels and halting ferry services. PNO General Secretary Manolis Tsikalakis emphasised the importance of labour rights, linking current demands to historical struggles for the eight-hour workday. Other maritime unions will join the action, advocating for improved wages, safety measures, and better public services. Transport disruptions will include halted rail services and limited bus operations throughout the day.

GreekCitytimes

Demand for postgraduate courses surges amid jobs crisis

Thousands of young people in Europe and the United States are hoping that postgraduate qualifications can help them ride out the jobs crisis as employers cut vacancies amid global economic turbulence and increasing investment in artificial intelligence. In the UK, where the youth jobless rate is at its highest since 2015, “lecturer” is this year’s third fastest-growing job on LinkedIn. Bloomberg notes that more than half a million British people who want a job have left the labour market to study, according to official figures, and students now account for over a quarter of those who are not working but want a job.

Bloomberg

PM Wong to speak at May Day Rally on helping workers adapt

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will discuss how workers can adapt to evolving job roles due to AI and new technologies during his May Day Rally speech today. In a post on X yesterday, Wong said: “With AI and new technologies, job roles will evolve. But one thing does not change: our commitment to support every worker - to adapt, upskill, and move forward with confidence.” Wong's recent Budget included a record $154.7bn to support businesses and promote AI skills through initiatives including the National AI Council and SkillsFuture courses. He has assured that AI adoption would not lead to the growth of joblessness.

Straits Times

DR Congo launches $100m ‘Mining Guard’ to protect critical minerals

The Democratic Republic of Congo is creating an armed security force to guard the country's mining sites and secure supply chains. The initiative will be funded by a $100m budget under strategic partnerships with the United States and the United Arab Emirates, the General Inspectorate ⁠of Mines (IGM) said. The 'Mining Guard' unit is expected to reach more than 20,000 personnel by the end of 2028. “The will of the President of the Republic is to clean up the entire mining sector, by eliminating practices that run counter to good ⁠governance, transparency and the traceability of minerals,” said Rafael Kabengele, the country’s inspector general of mines.

AP News

Financial Times

Reuters

OTHER

Abu Dhabi ECA expands early childhood support initiative

The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has launched the “Anjal Z” programme, partnering with 10 global start-ups to enhance early childhood support in the UAE. The initiative aims to provide parents and caregivers with accessible tools and services that promote children's learning, wellbeing, and family relationships. Saleha Al Azri, cirector of fesearch and knowledge solutions at ECA, noted that the selected startups offer practical solutions for families. Families can access various free and discounted services, including apps and learning platforms, to support children's development and emotional health.

Gulfnews.com

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