THE HOT STORY

UAE explores new model linking universities with future job skills

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) in the UAE is developing a new framework to connect universities with local job market demands. A recent workshop, "Industry Immersion for Impact," gathered 40 representatives from higher education and industry to discuss enhancing faculty engagement with industry practices. Ibrahim Fikri, Assistant Undersecretary, said: "Rapid labour market changes require education models that reflect industry realities." The initiative aims to improve academic programmes and prepare students for future careers by integrating industry experience into faculty professional development.

Gulfnews.com

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Jamjoom Pharma signs MOU with the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia

Saudi pharmaceutical healthcare company Jamjoom Pharma has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the General Administration of Pharmaceutical Care at the Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia aiming to support the development of healthcare and pharmaceutical professionals through training programmes and educational initiatives, contributing to enhancing the quality of healthcare services and achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The agreement comes as part of Jamjoom Pharma's broader strategy to strengthen its role as an active national partner in advancing the healthcare sector by investing in healthcare and pharmaceutical talent development, supporting community awareness programmes, and expanding collaboration with government health entities.

Zawya EN

HIRING

Six hundred job vacancies in Oman's private sector announced

The Ministry of Labour in Muscat has announced 600 job vacancies across various private sector establishments. The vacancies cater to a range of educational qualifications, from bachelor's degrees to General Education Diploma holders. The ministry noted that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen public-private partnerships and increase Omanisation rates. Job seekers are encouraged to review the vacancies and submit accurate applications to ensure eligibility.

TimesofOman

LEGAL

MoHRE launches upgraded UAE work permits

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has launched an upgraded work permit system, introducing 13 new types to enhance efficiency. The initiative aims to simplify requirements and improve customer experience. MoHRE has opened an electronic consultation period until July 30 to gather public feedback on existing services. The overhaul is part of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, which has eliminated the need for supporting documents and reduced mandatory data fields significantly. MoHRE's goal is to create a more competitive labour market while ensuring compliance with regulations.

Gulfnews.com

WORKFORCE

Oman strengthens ILO ties

Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Oman's Minister of Labour, presented a report on Oman's social protection system at the recent ILO meeting in Geneva. The system, which serves around 3.3m people, has achieved 64% coverage of the population. The ILO praised Oman for its integrated approach to social welfare and economic sustainability. Baowain reaffirmed Oman's commitment to enhancing collaboration with the ILO. The country maintained its Tier 3 status in the 2026 Global Rights Index, reflecting ongoing improvements in labour relations and social dialogue. The report highlights Oman's reforms since 2020 aimed at creating a fairer system.

Oman Observer

INTERNATIONAL

Norway oil companies and unions agree wage deal

Norwegian oil companies and labour unions have agreed to a wage deal that prevents strike action. Unions had said nearly 8% of Norwegian offshore oil and gas workers planned to strike if mediation had failed. A general annual pay increase of 42,000 Norwegian crowns ($4,493) was agreed, ‌including ⁠offshore compensation and holiday allowance, officials said. "In addition, shift and night supplements will increase by NOK 5 and NOK 8 respectively. Adjustments have also been made to variable supplements, along with some technical changes to the agreements," ⁠Offshore Norway said.

Reuters

Walmart shareholders reject AI workforce review amid automation push

Walmart shareholders have voted against a proposal seeking a report on how the retailer's growing use of AI affects employee wellbeing, despite concerns raised by workers about increased pressure, burnout and workplace safety risks. The vote came as Walmart expands its use of AI and automation across stores, warehouses and e-commerce operations in a bid to strengthen its position against Amazon. The company said AI is being deployed responsibly to support, rather than replace, human decision-making. Shareholders also rejected a proposal requesting an assessment of the impact of changing US immigration policies on Walmart’s operations.

Reuters

Net-zero is 'destroying jobs', UK union head says

Gary Smith, the general secretary of the UK's GMB union, has accused the Labour Party of "destroying jobs" through its clean energy policies. He said that such policies are "closing factories, hitting investment and hitting jobs." Smith dismissed energy secretary Ed Miliband's claims that increasing North Sea oil and gas production would not benefit the economy as "utter nonsense," and warned that an ideological push for clean energy is leading to growing support for right-wing populist party Reform UK among frustrated workers.

The Times

Hungary to stop issuing worker visas to employees from the Philippines, Georgia and Armenia

Hungary has ceased issuing worker visas to employees from the Philippines, Georgia and Armenia. A government spokeswoman said the move was intended to tighten employment opportunities for guest workers amid concerns they are pushing down local salaries. Reuters notes that some of Hungary's largest foreign investors ⁠have said a complete halt to the inflow of guest workers would hit companies and the country's wider economy.

Reuters

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